The Best Waterfalls To See When Snow Melts in Spring

Waterfalls are among the most awe-inspiring geological features at any time of year, but in many locales, they’re particularly stunning during springtime. As winter ends and temperatures rise, waterfalls are fed by melting snow, creating gushing streams that are a true sight to behold. In the U.S., some of the more impressive waterfalls are located in the northern part of the country, in those regions that tend to get plentiful amounts of snow. If you’re hoping to experience one of these glorious natural wonders for yourself, look no further than these six best waterfalls to see when snow melts in spring.

Yosemite Falls – California

Central California’s Yosemite National Park contains several of the country’s prettiest — and most powerful — waterfalls. These include Bridalveil, Vernal, and Sentinel Falls, to name a few, but the most glorious of the bunch is undoubtedly the park’s namesake Yosemite Falls. 

This Californian crown jewel features a drop of 2,425 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in America. The falls emanate from Yosemite Creek, which is fed entirely by snowmelt. This means the best time of year to see Yosemite Falls is as snow begins to melt in May, though the increased runoff sometimes continues into June. At its peak, up to 2,400 gallons of water gush over the upper edge of the falls every second. Be sure to visit before the falls run dry, typically in July or August.

Cohoes Falls – New York

Though considerably less famous than Niagara Falls on the opposite side of the state, Cohoes Falls are just as deserving of recognition. The falls, located about 10 miles north of Albany in Falls View Park, are fed by the 149-mile-long Mohawk River, which drains a total area of 3,450 square miles. 

The falls themselves are roughly 70 feet tall by about 1,000 feet wide, and they experience an average flow of 27,000 cubic feet of water per second. But in the early spring, as snow begins to melt into the river, that number skyrockets to 90,000 cubic feet per second. This leads to powerful rapids that are best safely viewed from a distance. Cold weather typically begins to break around Albany in mid-April, so the best time of year to see the falls is usually in May.

Shoshone Falls – Idaho

Nicknamed the “Niagara of the West” by early settlers, Shoshone Falls are found along the Snake River in south-central Idaho. They measure a whopping 900 feet wide and 212 feet tall — making them taller than the actual Niagara Falls. 

While these falls are prone to drying up entirely later in the summer, they’re a natural spectacle earlier in the spring, as snow from the nearby Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park drains into the Snake River. This contributes to a peak flow of roughly 10,000 to 12,000 cubic feet of water each second. 

In addition to their beauty, Shoshone Falls have a bit of pop cultural relevance, too: Famous daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump the Snake River west of the falls on a motorcycle in 1974. While Knievel was unsuccessful, he escaped with just a broken nose, and today you can visit a monument dedicated to him by taking a walk along the Centennial Trail from Shoshone Falls.

Brandywine Falls – Ohio

Brandywine Falls are the main attraction of Cuyahoga Falls National Park, which is located south of Cleveland in eastern Ohio. In the dead of winter, the falls are prone to freezing over, creating large icicle formations that are a sight to behold. But as warmer temperatures arrive, the ice melts and the waters begin to flow once more, careening down a 60-foot drop into the gorge below. 

The visuals here are quite striking, as the water flow collides with layers of sandstone and shale rock as it makes its way down to the bottom. For an unbeatable experience, hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop over to a viewing platform, where you can stand mere feet away from the falls in all their glory. The best time of the year to visit is typically in April or May, as the cold weather fades and snow gushes into the Cuyahoga River, the 85-mile-long waterway that feeds the falls.

Sahalie Falls – Oregon

Sahalie Falls (along with the nearby Koosah Falls) were formed along the McKenzie River in the Cascades around 3,000 years ago thanks to flowing lava that dammed a nearby lake. “Sahalie” means “heaven” in the Chinook Jargon language, and there are few places in Oregon quite as heavenly as these falls. 

The coldest weather in the Cascades is typically over by late March, so visiting anytime in April, May, or June is ideal for viewing the falls at their peak. During this time, the roughly 100-foot-high falls will bisect into larger and smaller portions. Even better, the falls are located just 2.5 hours away from Portland and 1.5 hours from Eugene. A wheelchair-accessible viewing platform sits less than 100 feet from a nearby parking lot, meaning you won’t have to hike much at all to see them with your own eyes.

Moss Glen Falls – Vermont

Moss Glen Falls are a breathtaking cascade located in northern Vermont, about 10 miles away from the ski resort town of Stowe. Vermont is one of the top three snowiest states in the U.S., so it should come as no surprise that when the snow begins to melt, Moss Glen Falls transform into an even more stunning natural attraction. 

At 85 feet, these falls are the tallest in Vermont. They’re also just a quarter-mile away from a nearby trailhead, meaning you won’t have to venture far before you stumble upon them. Ambitious hikers can climb up on the falls for a closer view, though an abundance of caution is required, as the gushing waters make them particularly slippery during the springtime. Local artists have been known to converge upon Moss Glen Falls each year to paint the scene — you’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful location in the New England region.