I know there is a song telling listeners “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls” but I think that might not be such a bad idea. It has been so hot this summer that a refreshing waterfall may be what we need to cool off before fall. This summer, our area has broken the previous records for the number of 100-degrees by two days already and the heat wave is likely not over.
The American northwest has many spectacular waterfalls with so many mountains. Multnomah Falls, east of Portland, is one of the most photographed falls in the world. Situated alongside the interstate, anyone heading west to Portland can make a quick stop on their journey to stretch their legs and pose for a snapshot in front of the iconic falls. Even if you do not stop, the view is clear from the road as you drive by.
Another notable falls nearer to me is Shoshone Falls in south central Idaho. It is sometimes called the “Niagara of the West” and is actually 45 feet higher than Niagara. The roar and the spray of the water frightened our dog when we visited it with the family years ago. It is not far from the Snake River canyon made famous by Evel Knievel’s attempt to jump it back in 1974.
Of course, if you continue east, eventually you will find yourself near Yellowstone. Before heading into the town of West Yellowstone, take a slight detour to see Mesa and Upper Mesa Falls. These falls are less crowded than the ones in Yellowstone Park and you can get closer to them with a modest walk.
According to Anupama Singh, in his article 5 Waterfalls In Germany To Witness The Charismatic Beauty Of Nature, the top five waterfalls in Germany to visit are:
1. Triberger Waterfall
2. Todtnauer Waterfall
3. Somerhalder Waterfall
4. Berchtesgadener Alpen (a collection of waterfalls in the Alps)
5. Geroldsauer Waterfall
Most of the falls on this list are found in the Black Forest. Other articles point you to more waterfalls to explore in that area too. Overview of the waterfalls in the Black Forest (schwarzwaldportal.com) Number 4 on the list actually is a series of waterfalls you can find in the German Alps which is divided into two parts, western and eastern, or Baden Wurttemberg and Bayern. Whichever way you go, you can find some of the most sought-after waterfalls by tourists.
The articles sited here provide information about finding waterfalls if you are looking for a refreshing respite as you explore the Bavarian mountains. As it reaches the upper 90s or even 100 again today where I live, a waterfall sounds like one of the most refreshing adventures I could add to my tasks in this heat. A little something worth chasing, don’t you think?
German American Schatz 