Must-See Hiking Spots in the U.S.

① Recommended U.S. Travel Destinations

People decide to travel for various reasons, but one of them is undoubtedly the allure of beautiful natural landscapes. Those with a strong sense of adventure often explore to witness the awe-inspiring scenery created by nature. In the United States, there is a place famous for having one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.

Iceland’s Oxararfoss Waterfall and Hengifoss Waterfall are impressive landmarks. However, Abiqua Falls, located in Oregon, can compete with Iceland’s best waterfalls as a thrilling natural attraction.

This waterfall is compared to Iceland’s because of its undeniable geometric aesthetics.

When you visit Abiqua Falls, you can admire the stunning hexagonal columns. Such columns are rare because perfect conditions are required to form specific shapes. This hexagonal shape is achieved only when lava cools exceptionally quickly, instantly forming solid volcanic rocks.

Abiqua Falls is located about 35 miles away from Salem, Oregon, not far from Silver Falls State Park. Unlike nearby waterfalls, Abiqua Falls is not within park restrictions. Instead, it is located on private land owned by a monastery. The monastery has agreed to allow the public to explore the trail leading to the waterfall.

② A Tough Trail to Traverse

You will be struck with awe as soon as you arrive at the waterfall. This impressive waterfall, reaching a height of 92 feet, is situated in a lush, moss-covered terrain. The black basalt columns stand out vividly against the surrounding greenery, making it a perfect photo spot.

Below the cliff, the water from the waterfall forms a vast swimming pool. Summer is the ideal season to see this refreshing waterfall. The path to the waterfall is open all year round.

In the winter, you can see a landscape covered with icicles.

Getting to Abiqua Falls requires some effort on foot, but it is well worth the attempt. The trail is less than a mile long, but it is a round-trip route with rugged terrain. The difficulty level is moderate, and you should be prepared for an altitude of about 180 feet.

The starting point of the trail leading to the waterfall is not well marked, so it can be tricky to find.
Even the shortest flight from the U.S. to Iceland takes about 5 hours.

If you don’t have the time to fly thousands of miles, I recommend visiting Abiqua Falls in Oregon.

③ How to Get to Abiqua Falls

Firstly, the path to the waterfall begins on a dirt road leading to a gravel parking lot. You must pass through the village of Scotts Mills along Crooked Finger Road NE.

You start your hike from here, following the winding, steep Cascade trail leading towards the stream.
You have to cross rocks and logs along the stream until you successfully reach the massive basalt bowl of the waterfall.

The rocks on this trail can be dangerously slippery depending on the amount of rain. Hikers should wear sturdy hiking boots for this steep route, best suited for experienced trekkers.

Once you are on the trail, it’s important to know that mobile phone service is almost non-existent. It’s a good idea to download a map for offline use before starting your waterfall-finding adventure.