Top 100 Waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest
Quantifying Waterfalls based on their height or width or volume are simple tasks, because these are easily measurable characteristics. But how does one fairly quantify or determine what makes the "best" waterfall? This isn't an easy question to answer, because to many individual people certain characteristics or traits may be viewed as contributing more to the "best-ness" of a waterfall than others. We've been attempting to tackle this very subject for over 15 years now, and it hasn't proven easy.
Our rating system was derived in attempt to provide a fair method of comparison between any given waterfalls. While it isn't perfect by any means, it has thus far proven to align with our expectations of how certain waterfalls would (or should) measure up to one another. This list details and identifies the 100 highest rated waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest based on our rating system. This list isn't completely objective, but it is as close as we have thus far been able to come.
Please be aware that the information used to calculate the ratings below is not guaranteed to be accurate, and in some cases may rely on estimations. We strive to keep our data as accurate as possible, so as we obtain more information these rankings can and will change. Additionally there may be waterfalls which are truly worthy of being on this list which we simply don't have enough information for yet.
Map the Top 100 Waterfalls in the NorthwestKey
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CatalogedWaterfalls which are Cataloged we have visited and surveyed in person. Statistical information should be quite accurate (for the most part), and exact measurements will often be available (information is not guaranteed to always be up to date). Detailed information, directions, and photographs will almost always be available. |
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ConfirmedConfirmed Waterfalls are known to exist, should be relatively accurately mapped and geotagged, and the statistical information available will often be dependable. If height information is presented, it may be estimated but should be accurate. Directions will not likely be available. |
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UnconfirmedUnconfirmed Waterfalls are often marked on a published map, but we have yet to confirm the exact location and / or whether or not its stature is significant enough to qualify for listing in the database. Statistical information may be estimated and may be inaccurate. No directions. |
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UnknownWaterfalls marked as Unknown are either suspected to exist based on heresay or a hunch, or we have received unverified information suggesting a waterfall may exist near the location provided but cannot corroborate it in any way. Geodata may not be accurate, the location may not be known at all, and statistical information will be estimated and highly inaccurate. |
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InundatedInundated Waterfalls have been submerged beneath lakes or reservoirs, usually a result of impoundment of a river behind a dam, and most often no longer functionally exist (there may be rare exceptions). We maintain records for these features out of historical importance. |
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SubterraneanThough not common, some waterfalls can be found entirely underground within cave systems. Access to subterranean waterfalls can vary from easy via developed walkways to requiring a high level of extremely technical spelunking skill, including familiarity with ropework and a distinct lack of claustrophobia. |
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DisqualifiedWaterfalls which have been marked as Disqualified do not have the necessary stature or features to qualify as a legitimate waterfall according to our criteria. We will maintain records for entries with this status where the feature is well known and / or may have been historically referred to as a waterfall at some point in time. |
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PostedPosted Waterfalls are known to exist, and we may have a large amount of information associated with them, but are located on private property and are not legally accessible to the general public. Accessing waterfalls with this status should not be attempted without first being explicitly granted permission of the property owner. |
