Plaikni Falls, Waterfall trail in Crater Lake National Park, United States.

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.

Plaikni Falls was little known until 2011, when Crater Lake National Park built a new trail to it, making the route one of the most popular destinations along the Rim Drives. The falls drop over a glacier-carved cliff whose walls are petrified volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Mazama.

The name Plaikni comes from a Native American word meaning "from the high country", a reference to the waterfall's setting at the south end of Mount Scott. The trail built in 2011 made the cascade a regular stop along the East Rim Drive.

The trailhead sits off East Rim Drive near the south base of Mount Scott, and the 1-mile path to the falls is wheelchair accessible with little elevation change. The route crosses old-growth fir and hemlock forest where wildflowers bloom in summer. The falls face a glacier-carved cliff, so expect cool shade and spray at the viewing end.

The falls drop over a cliff carved by glaciers, and the surrounding walls are made of petrified volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Mazama, the volcano that collapsed to form Crater Lake. Few visitors knew of the spot before the park built its trail in 2011.