Why This June Is Different
Not all waterfall seasons are created equal. While spring always brings a surge, 2024 is shaping up to be exceptional, particularly in the western United States. Regions like California’s Sierra Nevada and parts of the Rockies received significant snowfall
this past winter. As June’s longer days and warmer temperatures arrive, that massive snowpack is melting at a rapid pace, feeding rivers and streams and turning waterfalls from a pleasant trickle into a full-blown, jaw-dropping spectacle. This isn’t just the return of a seasonal activity; it's the payoff for a deep winter freeze. The result is a window of opportunity for anyone who appreciates the raw power of nature. The sheer volume of water creates not just a visual show, but an immersive, multi-sensory experience filled with mist, sound, and energy.
The Main Event: Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite is the undisputed heavyweight champion of waterfall chasing, and this year it’s in peak form. The park’s granite cliffs are currently streaked with dozens of falls, both famous and ephemeral. Yosemite Falls, one of North America's tallest, is booming, sending a spray that can be felt from hundreds of yards away. For the full experience, walk the one-mile loop to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall for a drenching dose of its power. Nearby, Bridalveil Fall is living up to its name with a delicate but powerful curtain of water. For a less-crowded but equally stunning view, take the Mist Trail (if conditions permit and you have a reservation) to see Vernal and Nevada Falls, which are currently thundering with historic force. Go early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds and find parking.
The Pacific Northwest's Liquid Treasures
Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge is a waterfall corridor unlike any other, boasting the highest concentration of waterfalls in the nation. The star, Multnomah Falls, is a year-round stunner, but its flow is noticeably more robust in early summer. A timed use permit is required to visit, so plan ahead. But don’t stop there. Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway to find gems like Latourell Falls, with its dramatic single-plunge drop, and the ethereal Horsetail Falls. Further north, in Washington, Snoqualmie Falls offers a more accessible but no less impressive display. The two-acre park features an observation deck that provides a direct, commanding view of the 270-foot cascade, which is currently swollen with snowmelt from the Cascade Mountains.
High-Altitude Wonders in the Rockies
The Rocky Mountains offer a different kind of waterfall experience—one that’s often tied to a rewarding hike. In Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park, the journey to Alberta Falls is a relatively easy 1.7-mile roundtrip hike that rewards visitors with a gorgeous, churning cascade set among pines and aspens. For those seeking a bigger challenge, the trek to Ouzel Falls in the Wild Basin area is a 5.4-mile roundtrip that culminates in a powerful 40-foot waterfall. June is an ideal month here, as higher-elevation snow is actively melting, but be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially muddy trails. Always check park conditions before heading out, as late-season snow can linger on some paths.
How to Chase Waterfalls Safely
The same force that makes waterfalls beautiful also makes them dangerous. Respect all barriers, signs, and closures; they are there for your protection. Rocks near waterfalls are perpetually slick with mist and algae, so wear sturdy, grippy footwear. Never climb on or around waterfalls, and stay out of the water at the top of a fall, as currents can be deceptively strong. When hiking, bring plenty of water, let someone know your itinerary, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Finally, practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out everything you pack in. The goal is to leave these natural wonders as breathtaking as you found them.
