1603, 2012

Steep Creek Falls, Washington

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In many places (like Minneapolis), a 52-foot waterfall like Steep Creek Falls would be well-known by the locals and often visited by tourists. Along the Columbia River, however, amazing natural sights are everywhere, and a waterfall of this size can remain relatively unknown. One of the most accessible waterfalls in the area, Steep Creek Falls near Stevenson, Washington is a picturesque cascade that feeds Rock Creek, a tributary of the Columbia. Steep Creek Falls is perfectly complemented by the surrounding environment. Even though the waterfall is easily accessible and visible from a nearby gravel road, the beauty of the surrounding trees and rocks create a sense of seclusion. Fourplay is a jazz “supergroup” formed in 1990.

3101, 2012

Niagara Falls (American Falls)

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The United States-Canada border is the longest national border in the world, but the most dramatic spot on it must be the famous Niagara Falls. A set of three waterfalls– the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls– the Niagara Falls may be the most well-known waterfall in the world, although it’s not special for its size as much as its accessibility. Plenty of taller and more voluminous waterfalls exist in the world, but none allow visitors to get as close to them so easily. Niagara Falls is extremely tourist-friendly. Opportunities on both sides of the border allow visitors to experience the falls from every angle, whether from their base on the famous Maid of the Mist

1810, 2011

Brandywine Falls

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Even though Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has no shortage of natural beauty, it’s no wonder why Brandywine Falls remains one of its most popular sights. This 60-foot waterfall is not only beautiful, but educational for budding geologists who take the time to look at the thin layers of rock that create the falls’ “bridal veil” cascade. Located on the eastern edge of the national park, Brandywine Falls is surrounded by evergreens, maple trees, and hemlocks. Visitors to the park can look at the falls from various angles with the help of walkways and a pedestrian boardwalk. Jim Brickman is a songwriter and solo pianist. One of the most commercially successful adult contemporary artists, Brickman

2709, 2011

Minnehaha Falls, Minnesota

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Minnesota’s Minnehaha Park is such a beautiful and relaxing setting, you’d never guess it was right in the middle of one of the United States’ largest metropolitan areas, unless you spotted the cars passing behind the treeline. Nestled in the southern metro area of the Twin Cities, Minnehaha Falls gets its name from the Dakota words for, simply, “waterfall.” The urban park surrounding the 53-foot waterfall attracts over 850,000 visitors a year. Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An accomplished jazz flutist, Zonjic has performed worldwide and at major classical and jazz festivals throughout North America,

1209, 2011

St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis

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One of the only waterfalls on the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls offers more than a scenic outlook and relaxing ambience. The entire city of Minneapolis was built around the power of the falls, both literally and figuratively. Early entrepreneurs used the falls to power saw and flour mills, which attracted more settlers and led to the creation of the city. At the turn of the century, Minneapolis led the United States in flour production. By the mid-20th century, however, the flour boom was over and Minneapolis’ position had been lost as new power sources and transportation methods developed and Western crops suffered. Today, a hydroelectric plant still draws power from the falls, but the mills

0309, 2011

Beaver Bay Falls, Minnesota

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Most of the impressive waterfalls in the United States are well-documented and well-traveled. Many are located in parks and some even have a infrastructure or nearby tourism economy to accommodate sightseeing. The falls of the Beaver River in Minnesota is not one of these falls. Right next to the city of Beaver Bay– population 181– these falls flow under Minnesota Highway 61 and empty into Lake Superior. If not for the relative isolation of Lake Superior’s North Shore, it’s hard to imagine these beautiful and dramatic falls wouldn’t be more famous. Gregg Karukas is a contemporary jazz keyboardist. After launching his solo career in the 1980s, Karukas formed a band that featured Dave Koz and Boney

2608, 2011

Multnomah Falls (Portland, Oregon)

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Portland, Oregon is known for being a “green city” and indeed is full of beautiful natural places. Many of these are woven into the cityscape, but more breathtaking sights can only be found past the outskirts. In this video, eScapes takes you to the amazing Multnomah Falls. One of the most dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the United States, Multnomah Falls is 611 feet tall and, notably, does not dry up during the summer. Nearby paths provide visitors with views of the falls from various altitudes. Sightseers looking for a dramatic way to experience the falls might enjoy a walk over the misty Benson Bridge, as those seeking a more relaxing time watch the water from

3107, 2011

Blue Hen Falls

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The Cuyahoga River Valley has long been a destination for outdoor recreation and the appreciation of nature. Threatened by urban sprawl, the area became a national recreation area, and later Cuyahoga Valley National Park, to ensure its protection as wilderness. Blue Hen Falls is not the most dramatic waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. That honor belongs to the 60-foot Brandywine Falls, one of the park’s most visited attractions. However, the quiet Blue Hen Falls is a perfect out-of-the-way location for relaxation and meditation. Jim Brickman is a songwriter and solo pianist. One of the most commercially successful adult contemporary artists, Brickman has six Gold or Platinum albums and multiple prestigious awards and nominations. His romantic

1707, 2011

Tahquamenon Falls

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Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most famous landmarks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The upper falls shown in this video move an average of 7,000 gallons of water a second, and up to 50,000 at peak springtime flow. Against the white backdrop of ice and snow in this winter scene, the brown color of the Tahquamenon River is especially apparent. This color comes from tannin, an organic compound released by the decomposition of material from cedar swamps upriver. This color has given the falls a local nickname– “Root Beer Falls”– also given to a smaller, unnamed waterfall to the west with similar water. Andrew Ironside is a Christian minister and musician. He is the founder of

0307, 2011

Yosemite National Park

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Yosemite National Park needs no introduction to naturalists and anyone who appreciates breathtaking scenery. Established as a national park in 1890, Yosemite Valley is a spectacular showcase of geology and ecology. The unique terrain of Yosemite National Park is the result of millions of years of uplifting granite combined with the immense stress of massive glaciers, which carved the rock into the sheer cliffs that are the Yosemite signature. Waterfalls are common and the park’s biodiversity is challenged by few places in North America. A destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable, Yosemite National Park is as perfect for those seeking excitement as those seeking relaxation. Ronny Jordan