For millennia, waterfalls have amazed and inspired people, and for good reasons. While some of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls are not among its highest, it’s still an awesome experience to gaze upon a waterfall that’s massively tall.
When it comes to waterfalls and their total height, there’s often debates on how to measure it, but all of the waterfalls here, and we’ve arranged them by location, not order of height, would all make any list of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
James Bruce Falls, Canada– 2756’
Located in British Columbia, this waterfall is the highest in North America and ranks #9 in the world. It’s in Princess Louisa Marine Provincial Park not far from Vancouver Island. This waterfall often dries out in the summer.
Colonial Creek Falls, United States– 2585’
The highest waterfall in the continental United States, Colonial Creek Falls is in the North Cascades of Washington. It has a total of 13 drops over its tumble of almost 2600 vertical feet.
Olo’upena Falls, United States– 2953’
Image Credit: Brandon Means/Shutterstock.
Located along the northeastern shore of Molokai Island, this waterfall is the highest on the U.S. and #4 in the world. Not too many people see it, though, because plane/helicopter tours and boat/kayak outings are the only ways to get to it.
Pu’uka’oku Falls, United States– 2756’
Adjacent to Olo’upena, this waterfall is also only accessible by air or water. Like its neighbor, it has a thin flow, so while the height is impressive, the volume might disappoint anyone going to the effort or expense to get there.
Waihilau Falls, United States– 2598’
This one is on the Big Island of Hawaii, actually named Hawai’i. Although that island is more accessible than Molokai is, the waterfall isn’t. No roads lead into its valley, and the foot journey in is an arduous one.
Angel Falls, Venezuela– 3212’
Image Credit: Photo Spirit/Shutterstock.
As mentioned, there is a lot of dispute about the actual heights and definitions of certain waterfalls. There is not much dispute about Angel Falls though; it has, without much question, the world’s highest total drop and also, without any question, its highest single drop, at 2648’.
Tres Hermanas Falls, Peru– 2999’
Ranked #3 in height in the world, Tres Hermanas, Spanish for “three sisters,” is a sight to behold. The three sisters are the three tiers of falls that the river plunges over on its way to the ground below.
Yumbilla Falls, Peru– 2940’
Image Credit: Julius Knerr/Shutterstock.
Crashing down over 5 drops, Yumbilla is #5 in the world for total height. It wasn’t well known outside Peru until a government survey included it in 2007.
Vinnufossen, Norway– 2772’
Image Credit: Magnus Binnerstam/Shutterstock.
Another tiered waterfall, Vinnufossen is #8 in the world. Part of the Vinnu River, which is fed by the Vinnufonna Glacier, these falls are easy to see from the village of Sunndalsorra.
Ramenfjellsfossen, Norway– 2684’
Rising, or rather falling, in the Vestland region of Norway, this waterfall is easier to see than to pronounce! Its total of 4 drops are easily seen from locations near the villages of Loen and Olden.
Tugela Falls, South Africa– 3107’
Image Credit: Mark Dumbleton/Shutterstock.
Tugela is ranked #2 in the world, and some say it should be #1. It’s a seasonal waterfall, though, so if you show up to view it in the dry season, you will probably feel really let down. It has 5 distinct drops.
Browne Falls, New Zealand– 2743’
Image Credit: Daniel Harwardt/Shutterstock.
Protected as a part of Fiordland National Park, this waterfall is on the South Island of New Zealand. The angle from top to bottom is fairly modest, so seeing these falls is not exactly like standing at the base of many others here, but the total drop is still real and impressive.
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