Plaikni Falls

Plaikni Falls is a waterfall in Crater Lake National Park that drops about 20 feet over walls of petrified volcanic ash into a canyon below. The surrounding forest consists of old-growth firs and hemlocks, with wildflowers blooming throughout the spring and summer months.

The waterfall remained largely inaccessible to visitors until 2011, when the National Park Service built an accessible trail to reach it. The geological landscape displays layers of volcanic material deposited during Mount Mazama's ancient eruption.

The name Plaikni originates from Native American language, signifying the waterfall's location in elevated mountain territory of Oregon.

The trail to the waterfall is about 1 mile long with minimal elevation change, making it accessible to families and wheelchair users alike. The path is well-marked and passes through quiet forest, allowing plenty of time to pause and take photographs.

The surrounding cliff walls contain layers of volcanic material from Mount Mazama's eruption, creating distinct geological patterns near the falls.