Idaho is a pretty fantastic destination for chasing waterfalls. Our state is simply full of them, and it seems like we’re constantly discovering more. In this case, there’s a beautiful emerald waterfall hiding out near the Canadian border. The trek to the falls is just 2.3-miles, and it’s worth every single step. The sight of this beautiful waterfall, flowing with gorgeous and bright blue-green water, is something you won’t soon forget. Check it out:
Hiding out deep in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness Area, American Falls (also known as Upper Priest Falls) is a natural wonder that's just begging to be uncovered. Reached via a short 2.3-mile trail, this is an adventure that definitely pays off.
The trail you'll take to get to the waterfall is Trail 28. To get to the trailhead, you'll drive north from the town of Nordman approximately 35 miles on USFS Road 302 until you reach the end of the road.
The trailhead will be located on the left side of the road. From here, you'll set off onto a memorable adventure through North Idaho's breathtaking wilderness. Surrounded by old growth cedars, flowing rivers, and lush foliage, the setting is like something out of a fairytale.
Trail 28 actually represents the very end of the much larger Idaho Centennial Trail. The Centennial Trail is 900 miles in its entirety, and it stretches all the way from southern Idaho's high desert and canyon lands to northern Idaho's wet mountainous forests.
As you continue along the trail, you'll closely follow the gorgeous Priest River as it winds through a landscape of ancient hemlocks, dense moss, towering cedar trees, and plenty of lichens and fungi. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including woodland caribou, deer, and moose.
The trail eventually crosses Malcom Creek, and soon you'll come to the 40-foot cascade known as American Falls. The waterfall marks the end of the trail, and it's an absolutely fantastic sight to see in person.
American Falls actually marks the exact spot where Priest River flows into the United States from Canada. This makes the sight of its mesmerizing emerald waters all the more notable. You'll definitely want to spend a few moments taking it all in!
Whether you're finishing the epic journey of Idaho's Centennial Trail or the smaller Trail 28, the sight of American Falls at the end makes for a sweet ending to your adventure. If you have yet to see this beauty, you'll want to be sure to hit the trail and check it out soon.
Did you know about this beautiful emerald waterfall hiding out in our state? Tell us about your favorite Idaho waterfall in the comments below! For more extraordinary waterfalls, check out this list of 10 Unbelievable Idaho Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight.
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