Located along the Columbia River Gorge Highway, the Multnomah Falls cascade 620 feet down a cliffside. Although these falls are very large, they are capable of fully turning to ice once the temperature drops below freezing.

Yes, frozen waterfalls are not only possible but are a spectacular winter phenomenon known as ice climbs or ice falls. They occur when the air temperature remains consistently below freezing (0∘C or 32∘F) for an extended period. Interestingly, a waterfall rarely freezes "solid" in an instant. Instead, the process begins with "frazil ice"—tiny ice crystals forming in the turbulent water. These crystals stick to rocks and existing ice, eventually forming a shell or a "shroud" around the falling water. Often, the water continues to flow behind a thick curtain of ice, creating a hollow column. In extremely cold climates like Canada, Norway, or the American Rockies, entire river segments can freeze, turning massive cascades into solid walls of blue or white ice. These formations are highly dynamic and can be dangerous; they are prone to "calving" or collapsing as temperatures fluctuate. For adventure seekers, these frozen giants become vertical playgrounds for ice climbing using specialized crampons and ice axes.