the travelling band waterfall

The Travelling Band

Latest release.

• SEP 6, 2023
• Super 8 Surrender - Single
• Georgia On My Mind
• The Travelling Band · 2010
• Passing Ships
• The Big Defreeze · 2014
• Wasted Eyes
• Sails · 2016
• Only Waiting
• Under the Pavement · 2008
• Biding My Time
• Last Night (I Dreamt of Killing You)
• Last Night (I Dreamt of Killing You) - Single · 2017
• The Big Defreeze (Deluxe Edition) · 2014
• Moments Like Switches
• Sails · 2017

Singles & EPs

Live albums, compilations.

Kottan's Kapelle

About The Travelling Band

Pitched somewhere between the heartfelt U.K. Americana of London's Grand Drive and the dry, sardonic take on the genre of St. Albans' the Broken Family Band, Manchester's the Travelling Band formed in 2006 and made a minor ripple two years later with their debut album, Under the Pavement. A democratic approach to songwriting -- similar to that of their predecessors Teenage Fanclub -- ensured that the individual craftsmanship of multi-instrumentalists Adam P. Gorman, Jo Dudderidge, and Stephen Ballinger was clearly represented on the New York-recorded release. Gorman, Ballinger, and bassist Chris Spencer had originally bonded as part of psych-rock act Brothers with Different Mothers, while the keyboard-focused Steve "Mugger" Mullen and drummer Nick Vaal played together earlier in the decade as part of Wilco soundalikes the Vox. The sextet's carefully honed mixture of folk, country, and understated psychedelia came as a result of their involvement in earlier acts, but was also inspired by the encouragement of close friend and ex-Alfie frontman Lee Gorton. Although the tracking for Under the Pavement was completed in October 2007, the album didn't appear for another 12 months and was finally issued on their own Sideways Saloon imprint -- also the moniker of their Manchester-based, monthly club night. A couple of hand-crafted, cloth-packaged EPs helped to create a local buzz in the run up to the album's release, while acclaim came from further afield when the band won 2008's Glastonbury New Talent award. Stand-out tracks from the long-player included Ballinger's sublime "Angel of the Morning" and Gorman's melancholic but uplifting "Lanes of Names." 2009 recording sessions on the Isle of Mull produced a suitably folksy, banjo-fuelled rendition of "Waterfall" -- an indie standard originally recorded by fellow Mancunians the Stone Roses. Shrewdly, the track was released digitally on the same August day that the 20th Anniversary edition of the Roses' debut hit the shops, and as a result the track enjoyed modest radio airplay. ~ James Matthew Wilkinson

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The travelling band – waterfall.

Single released on 10 August 2009

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Discover the 10 most epic waterfalls in Maine, USA

Despite what TLC says, you should definitely be chasing waterfalls, especially the waterfalls in Maine.

While Maine might be known for its fresh seafood, historic lighthouses, and charming New England-style architecture, it’s also known for its natural beauty. This is largely due to the state’s stunning national parks, rugged coastlines, and (yep, you guessed it), its breath-taking waterfalls. Maine is known for its coastal towns with roughly 3478 miles (5597km) of coastlines and range of natural attractions, including these top waterfalls. It’s easy to see why Maine attracts visitors from all over the world to enjoy the natural attractions it has to offer.

Up there with the best that Mother Nature has to offer, these impressive cascading bodies of water will not only make a lasting impression on your Instagram feed but also in your mind as you take in their magnificent size and captivating beauty.

Now, you may think if you’ve seen one waterfall then you’ve seen ‘em all but trust us when we say each of these waterfalls in Maine deserves to be seen. Read on and hit the road; your epic waterfall adventure awaits.

The Best 10 Waterfalls In Maine

1.      angel falls , franklin county.

Just like its name suggests, Angel Falls is a literal gift from the heavens, guaranteed to bless your eyes with a scenic sight you won’t be forgetting any time soon. Located on Mountain Brook just northwest of Houghton, this magnificent natural beauty stands at an impressive 90 feet tall and features plunging tiers that won’t hesitate to take your breath away.

Surrounded by a set of cliffs, Angel Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Maine thanks to its remarkable size and the fact that, in high water, the gushing water can create an angel’s wing as it cascades over the edge. In our opinion, you can’t get any closer to heaven on earth.

2.      Cascade Falls , Saco

For little effort, Cascade Falls sure does pack a beautiful punch. Only a 25-minute drive from Portland and located in the town of Saco, Cascade Falls is easy to access via a short wander through a pine-tree scattered forest. Nestled in a magical ravine that provides great cover in the summertime, this small but mighty waterfall looks like it’s straight out of your favourite fairy-tale.

While this scenic spot might not be the most epic on the list, it’s still worth a visit thanks to the peaceful tranquillity you’re likely to feel while listening to the gushing water and surrounding birdsong.

3.     Small Falls, Franklin County

Despite its name, Small Falls is anything but, especially if you visit after heavy rainfall with water gushing over the edge of the 54-foot cliff into a pool below. Not only can you admire the natural beauty of this waterfall from a distance, but you can also jump off its edge and swim beneath the cascading water for a truly unforgettable experience.

Once you’ve admired the waterfall for long enough, continue to hike your way up to three smaller waterfalls, all just as beautiful as each other and as equally great to swim in. Located on the Sandy River in Franklin County, the impressively tiered Small Falls, and its collection of smaller waterfalls, make for an afternoon well spent.

4.      Houston Brook Falls , Bingham

Topping the list as one of the more magical waterfalls in Maine, Houston Brook Falls features an impressive 32-foot almost vertical drop for a sight that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Easy to get to (a simple 10-minute stroll through the woods is all it takes), this waterfall appears uniquely wild with rock formations jutting out, causing the cascading water to go every way.

Complete with a dazzling mist emanating off the falling water and a couple of swimming holes, Houston Brook Falls is a scenic spot you needed to have crossed off your bucket list, like yesterday.

5.      Moxie Falls , Somerset County

As impressive as Angel Falls when it comes to size, Moxie Falls holds its own with a breath-taking 90-foot vertical drop into a collection of pools below. Also known as being one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in Maine, this stunning spot can be reached after a short almost one mile walk through a lush forest.

Perfect for viewing in any season, Moxie Falls is located near The Forks in the Kennebec Valley of Somerset County and provides keen adventurers with the view of a lifetime. But admiring the cascading body of water isn’t the only thing you can do there with swimming and white water rafting popular in the summer and fishing a favourite in the winter.

6.      Dunn Falls , Oxford County

If you’re a nature lover (and something tells us that if you’ve landed on this blog then you probably are), then a visit to Dunn Falls is an absolute must. Situated on either side of the Appalachian Trail, Dunn Falls presents not one but two impressively breath-taking falls, Upper Falls and Lower Falls.  

Located in the town of Andover and a part of the Appalachian Scenic Trail, these waterfalls are just as epic as each other with Upper Falls a 70-foot total drop and Lower Falls slightly taller at 80-feet. While Upper Falls is a fan-like waterfall, Lower Falls is more of a plunge type where the cascading water doesn’t touch the cliff face behind it. Our recommendation? Bring a camera.

7.      Austin Stream Falls , Somerset County

Despite having to navigate your way down a steep gorge on your way to the falls, Austin Stream Falls is relatively easy to get to via a short walk of a few hundred yards or so. Like Dunn Falls, this scenic spot also features two separate waterfalls, each just as breath-taking.

While the Upper Falls stands at 20 feet high, the Lower Falls is actually higher at 25 feet with both spots featuring a unique shape that determines the way in which the water falls. Both offering stunning views that no camera or iPhone will do justice, Austin Stream Falls is well worth spending an afternoon at.

8.      Gulf Hagas Falls , Piscataquis County

Exploring Gulf Hagas is fit for both nature lovers and adventure seekers thanks to its phenomenal gorge formation giving it the title of “The Grand Canyon of Maine”. Featuring rapids, pools, and various other waterways, this stunning spot offers views of towering cliffs and the cascading Gulf Hagas Falls.

While you can participate in heaps of different activities including hiking, kayaking, and swimming while you’re in the area, taking the time to admire Gulf Hagas’ four officially named waterfalls is guaranteed to be your favourite thing to do. With each waterfall offering something different to appreciate from cascading water to punchbowl formations, Gulf Hagas should be at the top of your list.

9.      Grand Falls , Somerset County

If you’re up for a bit of a challenge then the Grand Falls, located in West Forks, is the perfect destination for you. While it is quite tricky to get to (there aren’t any paved roads that’ll lead you directly to the waterfall), Grand Falls is well worth the challenge with its staggering size and extremely photogenic views.

Formed in the shape of a horseshoe, this waterfall is wider than it is tall, measuring about 100 feet across and 40 feet tall. But what this waterfall lacks in height, it definitely makes up for in beauty. Absolutely breath-taking at any time of the year, Grand Falls is not only one of the most powerful and popular waterfalls in Maine but is also one of the finest examples of Mother Nature’s impressive work.

10.   Step Falls , Cumberland County

Looking for a fun-packed way to spend an afternoon? If the answer is yes, then Step Falls is your kind of place. Located in Standish, a small town in Cumberland County, Step Falls not only offers the perfect spot for swimming but also for admiring Maine’s natural beauty. Featuring flowing water cascading down open ledges, Step Falls creates several pools that are magnificent to look at and refreshing to swim in.

Popular with both locals and tourists alike, Step Falls will undoubtedly take your breath away with a total of 250 feet of waterfalls in the form of cascades, horsetails, and chutes. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy, take in the peaceful sound of gushing water in a spot that’s nothing short of magical. 

CHASE THESE WATERFALLS ON OUR MAINE TOURS

Feeling inspired?

Kate Gazzard

When I was 11, my parents asked me whether I wanted a pool for the house or a trip to Fiji. I chose Fiji, and I've made travelling as much as I can a priority ever since.

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Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

Moscow is a wonderful city to visit, and travelers on river ship cruise tours to or from St. Petersburg spend a few days in Moscow . This capital city of Russia was our last port on a river cruise tour, and we had about four days to see most of the highlights. Our first day we did an overview driving tour and rode the subway under the Mockba (Moscow) River to Red Square. The next day we toured the State Armory and the Kremlin.

These photos show some of the other highlights you can see with three or four days in Moscow .

The Northern River Terminal is located on the Moscow Canal in the northwest section of Moscow at the Khimki Reservoir.

Most river cruise ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg use the ship as a hotel while in Moscow. Because of traffic, it's often a long drive into the city, but the sights along the way are interesting, and you only have to unpack once for the river cruise.

View of Downtown Moscow from Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills is the best place to get a great panoramic view of Moscow. The Sparrow Hills overlook the Mockba River and are near Moscow State University.

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent in Moscow was founded in 1524, and was once used as a sort of prison for the unwanted wives and sisters of the Tsars. Peter the Great sent both his first wife and his sister to Novodevichy. Since the convent had such famous nuns, it was very wealthy due to the many donations of the Tsars and their families. At one time in the 1700s, the cloister had over 36,000 serfs working in 36 villages. Novodevichy was ravaged by the French armies in 1812, but the brave nuns saved the buildings by disarming the fuses set to blow them up. The Soviets wanted to make the convent into a museum in the early 1920s, but it was again saved.

Novodevichy also has a cemetery with the graves of many famous Russians, including Nikita Khrushchev, Anton Chekhov, Raisa Gorbachev, and Yuri Nikulin.

View of the Mockba River in Moscow, Russia

The Mockba (Moscow) River runs into the Volga via the 79.5 mile long Moscow Canal.

River ships sailing between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Baltic Waterways embark and disembark at the Northern River Terminal about an hour's drive from the city. The drive time can vary significantly in length because of the heavy Moscow traffic. The river looks peaceful here, as it winds around the cosmopolitan area of Moscow.

Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer (Cathedral of Christ the Savior) in Moscow

The Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer, also known as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, is the largest church in Russia, holding 10,000 worshipers.

The original Cathedral of Christ the Savior was built over 44 years to celebrate the 1812 victory over Napoleon. It was completed in 1883. Stalin had the church destroyed in 1931, but it was rebuilt using mostly private funds in 1999. The new church is a replica of the original. Note that it took 44 years the first time and only 4 years the second to complete the church! Isn't modern technology impressive.

One interesting tidbit is that it took three attempts to blow up the church in 1931. Stalin planned to build a huge Palace of the Soviets on the cleared land, but engineers determined that the land was too boggy. In the 60 years intervening, the space was used for a variety of things, including a year-round swimming pool!

Vendors' Market and Ski Jump at Sparrow Hills in Moscow

The panoramic view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills is a stopover for most tour groups, so we were not surprised to see a large number of vendors. The ski jump was a surprise, but Moscow gets very cold in winter, so winter sports are very popular. This ski jump is near Moscow State University and has a great view of the city. Seeing this ski jump reminded me of the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, which also has a great view of that northern capital city.

Russian Soldiers' Memorial in Victory Park in Moscow

Matryoshka dolls for sale in moscow.

I thought this display of dolls was beautiful! The Matryoshka nesting dolls range in price from just a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

This small band greeted us at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow. They played a variety of band music and made us all feel very welcome.

Grand Triumphal Arch Celebrates the Victory Over Napoleon in the War of 1812

This arch looks a little like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and it is located near the Victory Park Metro Station in Moscow.

This Grand Triumphal Arch is decorated with the coats of arms from the 48 Russian provinces. To celebrate the victory over France in the war of 1812, it also includes bas-reliefs of the "Expulsion of the French." The arch was originally built in 1834, but has only been on this site since 1968.

It is a little ironic that this arch resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe , which Napoleon built between 1806 and 1836 to celebrate his French victories.

Moscow Metro Station at the Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square)

This station near Red Square has many statues honoring the workers of Russia.

Moscow Metro Station near Victory Park

The Metro in Moscow is one of its shining industrial achievements. Construction on the Metro was begun in 1931 and continues today. The system has over 165 stations and 155 miles of track. Over 9300 trains, traveling sometimes as fast as 56 mph, navigate the huge system each day. Almost 10 million people ride the Moscow Metro every day, which is more than the New York and London systems combined. We found the Metro to be very efficient, with trains arriving every few minutes.

Navigating the Metro system can be somewhat of a problem for non-Russian speaking riders. Most of the signage is in Cyrillic only, and the stations are quite large. Trying to find the correct exit while walking long distances underground can be challenging.

On our cruise tour, we rode the Metro as a group with our program director from near Victory Park under the Mockba River to Red Square. Several of the group ventured out on their own during our time in Moscow, and many rode the Metro. They all returned with stories of getting lost underground, but none seemed the worse for the experience, and they all loved telling the tales.

Red Square in Moscow

Red Square in Moscow is a must-see for visitors to the capital city of Russia.

The Kremlin in Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin is a favorite of Moscow tourists. Inside these walls are buildings for the government of Russia, cathedrals, and the wonderful State Armory museum.

Taras Bulba Restaurant in Moscow

We enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian lunch at this cute restaurant in Moscow before checking in at our hotel.

Buses Wait for Passengers Outside Museum

River cruise tour groups are usually divided into groups for the duration of the tour. Each group had their own bus when touring.

Military Airplanes at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow, Russia

Although much of the military museum was indoors, there was quite a collection of planes, helicopters, missile launchers, and tanks outside.

Foreign Ministry Building, One of Moscow's Seven Stalinist-Gothic Skyscrapers

Seven skyscrapers with layers giving them a "wedding cake" appearance dot the Moscow skyline. The style is considered Stalinist-Gothic.

Russian and American War Veterans at the Central Museum of Armed Forces

Meeting with some World War II Russian War veterans was a highlight of our day at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow.

Rocket Launchers and Missiles at the Central Museum of Armed Forces in Moscow

The inside of this museum is particularly impressive, but you will need a guide since all of the signage is only in Russian.

Old Arbat Pedestrian Shopping Area in Moscow

We all enjoyed exploring the shops on this mile-long pedestrian shopping area.

Food prices were high in the tourist attraction, with two small pizzas, two small beers, and a bottle of water at an outdoor cafe costing $40. Many of our group ate at the large McDonalds, where prices were more reasonable.

Female Cosmonaut Model at Star City Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow

Female cosmonauts play an important role in the Russian space program. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova from Yaroslavl was the first woman in space.

Souvenir Shop in Old Arbat Shopping Area in Moscow

The area of Old Arbat had many English signs to attract the tourist trade.

Centrifuge at Star City Outside Moscow, Russia

This 18 meter centrifuge is the world's largest. The centrifuge weighs over 30000 tons, and the maximum load is 30 G, but most tests are run at 3 or 4 G.

A centrifuge ride is the first test for a cosmonaut, whose entire training school takes from five to eight years. The centrifuge can simulate the extreme force of gravity that cosmonauts (and astronauts) face when going into space. A centrifuge training session lasts about 30 minutes, and the trainee experiences both the centrifugal force as well as the spin of the pod he/she is riding in. Just typing this makes me a little queasy!

Cosmonaut's Bathroom Facilities on First Space Flights at Star City

Just like in the USA, everyone who visits the Star City cosmonaut training center near Moscow wants to know how cosmonauts "go to the bathroom". They have more sophisticated equipment today, but this contraption from the early space flights is fairly self explanatory.

Star City Tank Used for Cosmonaut Weightlessness Training near Moscow

This 12-meter deep pool is used to simulate weightlessness training. The pool is flooded and the cosmonauts perform repair tasks on the model of the International Space Station. SCUBA diving underwater is very similar to the weightless experience the cosmonauts experience when working in outer space.

Mir Space Station Replica at Star City near Moscow

The original Mir disintegrated when it fell to earth in 2001. Mir, which means peace in Russian, was launched in 1986.

Marvel Paull with Statue of Yuri Gagarin at Star City near Moscow

Yuri Gagarin was the first man in space, and the Star City Cosmonaut training center was named after him in 1968.

River Cruise Passengers with Yuri Onufrienko, Russian Cosmonaut at Star City

In case you can't tell, Yuri is the one in the middle. My famous traveling mother, Marvel Paull, is on the left and Dick, a cruise friend is on the right.

A highlight of our day in Star City was a visit with Yuri Onufrienko , a Russian cosmonaut who spent extended time in space at the Mir space station in 1996 and the International Space Station in 2001-2002. Yuri patiently took many questions from our small inquisitive group.

Cosmonaut Space Suit at Star City near Moscow

Cosmonauts sit in this position on take off. Thanks to Jerry G. for the tip about the sign. It says, "Don't touch!"

Stained Glass Window at Star City near Moscow

Program directors at farewell dinner in moscow.

After 16 days of discovery, learning, and fun, we had a farewell dinner with the six Program Directors - Evgeny, Olga, Vladimir, Svetlana, Violetta, and Marina - in Moscow.

The Kremlin is a triangular, walled citadel in the center of Moscow. The Kremlin is considered by most to be the heart of the city. First conceived in the 12th century, the Kremlin (which means fortress) was expanded by Tsar Ivan III (Ivan the Great) during the 15th century. His architects designed the magnificent Cathedral of the Assumption and the Faceted Palace, and the Kremlin was an interesting mix of both Russian and Renaissance styles. During the Soviet time of the 1930s, many of the Kremlin buildings were destroyed or vandalized, and the complex remained closed to the public until 1955.

Today the Kremlin is home to the Russian President and his administration. Many buildings are open to the public, but you may need to be with a guide (check in advance).

I visited the Kremlin when in Moscow on a Russian Waterways cruise tour from St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin was also one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  

Red Square in Moscow, Russia

Red Square's name has nothing to do with Communism or Soviet Russia. The old Russian word for "beautiful" and "red" was the same; the square was supposed to be called "Beautiful Square". Red Square has been the center of Moscow activity since the 16th century when the Tsar cleared the area and allowed vendors, shoppers, and businesses to fill the square. Today this square is surrounded by the Moscow Kremlin, the State Historical Museum, GUM Shopping Mall , and St. Basil's Cathedral .

Many of the important events of the last three hundred years in Russia have been marked by parades or demonstrations in Red Square. Anyone who enters Red Square will have memories from TV or movie reels of this magnificent public square. Those of us who grew up during the Cold War era can remember the parades of soldiers, tanks, and other armaments past Lenin's Tomb just outside the Kremlin Wall. The World War II generation remembers Red Square as the site of a huge victory celebration at the end of the war.

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OPINION: We call them elders

A snowmachine trail appears nearly featureless except for scattered trail markers in flat light and deteriorating weather in Northwest Alaska. (Seth Kantner photo)

Listening to the news lately, things sound terribly out of sorts, and I can’t help feeling a little lost, questioning what passes for new values. And what have people done with their old values? Last month when I traveled south on snowmobile in stormy conditions, those thoughts kept plaguing me, crossing the sea ice and trying not to get truly lost.

I went down past a place that old-timers here call Arctic Circle, where the U.S. Army built a temporary beach runway during World War II. It was cold, a long journey to search for caribou, my face frosting and inside my fur hood my mind wandering, bumping into news stories. The ones bothering me then were questioning if Joe Biden is too old to be our next president.

The light was flat. I kept hitting rock-hard snowdrifts I couldn’t see coming. Miles in the distance a low ridge came into sight. The landscape was foreboding, desolate, and dangerous if the wind intensified, and I wished I knew my surroundings better. I thought of Inupiaq elders I’ve known, men who were fearless and skilled hunters, and women who were shockingly generous and kind, skin-sewers and tenders of the myriad of requirements of survival.

The elders knew every crevice of this coastline — because they needed to. Values were more straightforward, back before climate change and storebought everything; there were far fewer willows to burn if you needed a fire, and no Bic lighters, flare guns, or InReach devices to press a button for “HELP.” No words would thaw a finger or a foot, or feed your family. Only strength and ability, wisdom and experience kept you alive. The kind of knowledge you learned slowly, over the course of a lifetime.

Thinking about that “news” from the Lower 48, I found myself getting disgusted. Behind my facemask, in the roar of the wind, I was surprised to hear my voice out loud: “Don’t those people have any common sense?”

Seriously, what is going on down there?

The Lower 48 is locally referred to as “down states.”

“You going down states?”

“Aachikang! Be careful you don’t get lost down states.”

Long ago it was customary to believe things made sense down states. That’s where the big ships came from, loaded with Bibles and books, gunpowder and wolf traps, canned butter, tea bags and all that. Nowadays, online news of race relations, protests and homelessness, factory chickens, lead in water and school shootings give us in the Far North a different impression. It sounds like a hard place to live, down there.

It’s confounding, too, for us to keep up with the deluge of new rules people there are coming up with; how it’s wrong to say or do this or that — not to mention all the actual legal laws. That’s another reason I guess I was shouting at the wind, upset about how too many people are publicly picking on our President for his age. It’s wrong to discriminate against elders. Period. And why the hell isn’t that the first rule of the “woke” club?

Here, we think of elders as an important tie to who we were and what matters. We surely don’t focus on their hair. Or how they walk or don’t. Or idiosyncrasies in the speed or the sound of their voices. Actually, we love their voices! We record them, to cherish in the future. Here, each time an elder in one of the villages passes away we are stunned; we reel in the wake of such enormous loss. Who could replace Minnie Gray, Bob Uhl, Clarence Wood, Oran Knox, or so many of those elders we’ve lost in just the last decade? They lived the past, a different world; they walked out of history. They were there! That kind of knowledge is irreplaceable, and regardless of common misconception, being a wise elder has not one thing to do with race. Our elders’ quiet acceptance in the blizzard of so much change can be pure grace, and the breadth of their vision is, and will be, vitally important for survival in our modern hardships and social upheaval.

I stopped speaking aloud to myself after that — I was too busy getting worried. Worried enough to forget all about the waterfall of modern news cycles. Snakes of snow were starting to move, a ground blizzard growing. And across the ribbon of land to the west, I saw a last glimpse of a dark band of cloud — open ocean reflecting dark off the sky. It was an old warning, of a new danger: unfrozen ocean in winter.

Quickly, I stopped to glass ahead one more time for caribou. There was only the white landscape fading into obscurity. The animals were out here, somewhere, using their instincts to survive. I had instincts too, and they told me it was foolish to go on alone with this wind rising. I knew if I were traveling with an elder that we’d simply nod to each other, laugh, and continue on, hunting. Instead, I had to turn around and head back. My tracks were already disappearing. I sped up, trying to locate marks in the moving snow, hoping I could still find my way home.

Seth Kantner lives in northern Alaska and is a commercial fisherman and the author of “Ordinary Wolves” and, most recently released, “A Thousand Trails Home: Living With Caribou.”

The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com . Send submissions shorter than 200 words to [email protected] or click here to submit via any web browser . Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here .

Seth Kantner

Seth Kantner is a commercial fisherman, wildlife photographer, wilderness guide and is the author of the best-selling novel “Ordinary Wolves,” and most recently, the nonfiction book “A Thousand Trails Home: Living With Caribou.” He lives in Northwest Alaska and can be reached at sethkantner.com.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Idaho (ID) » 15 Amazing Waterfalls in Idaho

15 Amazing Waterfalls in Idaho

Idaho is a state you do not want to miss on your United States road trip or vacation. The ecological treasures are like no other place in this world (at least, according to the people of Idaho).

This state is filled with so many beautiful, diverse landscapes. At times, you might feel you are in Iceland instead of Idaho.

From remote places great for biking to cities packed with life, there is something for everyone in Idaho. Whether you are looking for trails to hike around, much like Pillar Falls, or a place to cycle to like Auger Falls, you won’t want to miss these 15 most amazing waterfalls in Idaho :

1. Mesa Falls

Mesa Falls are 110 feet tall at their highest point, with the lower section coming in at 85-feet tall.

Mesa Falls is the only waterfall in Idaho that is not being used for irrigation.

Mesa Falls is an easy walk, suitable for all fitness levels. This is a great place to spend the day and take in the different views while enjoying a picnic and being surrounded by nature.

2. Fern Falls

Fern Falls are one of the easier waterfalls to access in Idaho; you can reach them with a 200-yard hike. The trails are easily accessible and are great for all ages and fitness levels.

Fern Falls are pretty to look at year-round but are best enjoyed in the springtime due to the higher volume of water.

This is the perfect afternoon spot for a family picnic. Fern Falls are rather unique and picturesque due to the fascinating way the water sprinkles and runs down the cascade.

The beauty of Fern Falls will presently surprise you and your family and you won’t want to miss out on a trip to this place.

3. Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls is a 212-foot waterfall that is a favorite amongst both locals and visitors to Idaho. These falls are often referred to as the ‘Niagara of the West.’

Depending on the flow of water — controlled by Idaho Power — the falls can range in pressure. Regardless of the conditions, Shoshone Falls are still amazing to visit at any time.

These falls are great to watch at sunset, as the fading light falls perfectly over the cascades. If you come in the afternoon, you might get lucky with a rainbow.

If you are in the southwest part of Idaho, this is a must-see attraction.

4. Pillar Falls

Kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing are the best ways to accesses Pillar Falls.

Named from the several pillars that divide the channels of Snake River, Pillar Falls is found near Twin Falls, Idaho.

The water drops around 20-feet and Pillar Falls is best viewed from the water; this is a unique way to see a waterfall; definitely something different from your traditional hiking and cycling opportunity.

5. Devil’s Punchbowl

Devil’s Punchbowl is a rather unique name but is very apt.

This waterfall is a little different, as the water flows through a small gorge. Depending on the season, the water flow will vary but is usually the strongest in the spring.

This hike is easy and great for the whole family. In order to access Devil’s Punchbowl, follow the Interstate 84 until you reach Malad Gorge State Park. The falls are so close to the road you will see the vehicles pass by from the bridge behind the falls.

6. Cauldron Linn

Cauldron Linn is another waterfall in Idaho that looks like it should be somewhere in Iceland or Greenland.

When visiting Cauldron Linn, you will be welcomed with not just one waterfall, but two cascades and both are within close walking distance of each other.

The views are a little different with Cauldron Linn waterfall; you will see the views from the top of the falls going down. This vista creates beautiful photos of the cascade from the top, showcasing the amazing scenery surrounding the falls.

7. Elk Creek Falls

Elk Creek Falls is comprised of three different water drops; the upper falls, the lower falls, and, of course, the middle falls.

This hike is for the more adventurous; it’s a little trickier than some of our other listings. You can find the trail outside of Elk River.

Many people want to hike Elk Creek Falls because of the scenery and the crystal-clear water. Upon hiking to Elk Creek Falls, you will pass many photographers because this place is really something to capture. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and your camera.

8. Perrine-Coulee Falls

Perrine-Coulee Falls is a place you would find on a postcard. It is located just off Canyon Springs Road. You can park at nearby Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center.

A unique feature of Perrine-Coulee Falls is that you can walk behind the waterfall; it makes for some pretty incredible pictures.

Make sure you are ready to get a little wet, depending on the wind. There are some facilities located close by.

9. Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve

Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve is a beautiful place located in Thousand Springs State Park.

This place is one of the most striking areas in all of Idaho but involves a one-mile walk to view the falls.

Don’t arrive too early in the morning if you want to see the sun shining over the falls, creating a turquoise color to the pool at the base.

This is a great site for pictures and laying down a blanket for lunch. You can walk right around the falls and get different photos from a variety of viewpoints.

There are a few different signs with information describing the falls and the history behind them.

10. Niagara Springs

Niagara Springs is located inside the Snake River Canyon, which is found in the Thousand Springs State Park.

These falls are rather small, but the water is constantly flowing. Needless to say, this is one of the most photographed places in Idaho and is easy to access.

On the other side of Niagara Springs, you can find Snake River, which is also an incredible sight — it’s a two-in-one park to visit. You won’t want to miss Niagara Springs while spending some time in Idaho.

11. Auger Falls

Auger Falls is a location best known for their cycling trails. Many people learn how to mountain bike in this area and are rewarded with incredible views of Auger Falls.

These trails are great for all levels of hikers and bikers, as you have many different trails to choose from — no trail is too steep.

Auger Falls offers wide-open views of the scenery and terrain from a distance. If you are looking for a place that is not overly crowded, this is the place to come. It offers a tranquil experience, with plenty of things to see and trails to experience.

12. Ritter Island

Ritter Island Falls is hands down one of the best places to watch the sun go down. The pictorial location will send you off with incredible pictures of the falls and the surrounding landscapes.

Ritter Island Falls can be accessed from the road descending to Ritter Island, which is referred to as Thousand Springs Grade.

A fun thing to do if planning on visiting Ritter Island is to head to 1000 Springs Resort and watch the waterfall under the stars while enjoying a beautiful campfire.

This resort is located across the river from Ritter Island; it is a fun attraction for the whole family to enjoy.

13. Twin Falls

Twin Falls is located on the Snake River. The name Twin Falls derives from when the waterfall had two separate drops at the split of Snake River.

Twin Falls is a beautiful waterfall to explore and is best seen from the water. It is very rocky along both sides of the falls and your views will come from the top of the cascade.

This place is great for all ages and levels of hikers; there is a smooth path that leads to the falls.

14. Hellroaring Creek Falls

Hellroaring Creek Trail leads to small series of waterfalls located along the way to Hell Roaring Lake. This trail is rated as moderate in terms of difficulty, due to the 10.7 miles you need to trek.

Hellroaring Creek Falls and Roaring Lake is located near Stanley, Idaho. It is a beautiful place with lots of wildflowers and many different species of birds. Dogs are permitted on leashes.

The best times to visit Hellroaring Creek Trail is between May and September; however, it is open year-round.

15. Torrelle Falls

Torrelle Falls are beautiful and tall; they feature a narrow stream of water that flows down into a large pool.

The falls are simple and tranquil and offer a relaxing experience.

You can access Torrelle Falls just off Scenic Route 57. After you follow the road for approximately 10 minutes, you will reach the falls. If you continue along this road, you will come across another waterfall – Mission Falls. Either falls offer incredible views from above. You don’t want to miss Torrelle Falls when visiting Idaho.

15 Amazing Waterfalls in Idaho:

• Shoshone Falls
• Pillar Falls
• Devil’s Punchbowl
• Cauldron Linn
• Elk Creek Falls
• Perrine-Coulee Falls
• Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve
• Niagara Springs
• Auger Falls
• Ritter Island
• Hellroaring Creek Falls
• Torrelle Falls

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Hobbyist photographer snaps photo of extremely rare bird in 1st U.S. sighting

Emma Bowman

When hobbyist photographer Michael Sanchez snapped this picture of a blue rock-thrush subspecies on the coast of northern Oregon last week, he didn't know how rare the bird was until he posted it to social media. Michael Sanchez hide caption

When hobbyist photographer Michael Sanchez snapped this picture of a blue rock-thrush subspecies on the coast of northern Oregon last week, he didn't know how rare the bird was until he posted it to social media.

Call it beginner's luck.

On a trip to the Oregon coast in late April, amateur photographer Michael Sanchez took his new camera out to Hug Point State Park to snap pictures of waterfalls.

Sanchez, a 41-year-old middle-school band director from Vancouver, Wash., recently picked up photography and, by his account, is by no means a bird-watcher. But his trip turned into an impromptu photo shoot that made him the envy of birders.

"I got all the shots that I needed and when I was finishing up, I looked behind me and, still before the sun's fully up, I see this little bird with black feathers. I said, 'Oh, well, what a cute little bird, why don't I practice shooting that bird?" Sanchez, 41, told NPR on Thursday. "When I got home, I started to process the pictures from my trip and I saw that it wasn't a little black bird — it was actually a beautifully colored blue and a chestnut bird."

It wasn't until he posted his pictures to Facebook that he learned his bird sighting was extremely rare: a blue rock-thrush, far from its native breeding habitat in parts of Europe, Africa and Asia.

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His April 21 sighting is the first time the bird has been seen in the U.S, bird experts said. It's also the first blue rock-thrush sighting in North America since 1997, according to the American Birding Association , when the species was spotted in British Columbia. The prior sighting had been rejected by the ABA over debate about how the bird had arrived in the area; however, the Oregon sighting may prompt the association to reevaluate its 1997 record.

Brodie Cass Talbott, an educator with the Bird Alliance of Oregon, was stunned by the finding after his team verified the sighting. He said the male bird is the Southeast Asian philippensis subspecies — the only one of five with a reddish-brown belly.

"It was just a real shock," he said. "This is potentially the rarest bird that's ever been seen in Oregon."

Oregon isn't usually a stopping ground for vagrants, a term for birds that travel well beyond their normal breeding or wintering locations, he said — especially those traveling from Asia like this one.

Alaska likely would've been the quickest destination for this particular bird, which his team believes migrated from just north of Japan.

"They're usually going to come across the Bering Sea, from Russia to Alaska and then make their way south," he said. "So, that's a really, really broad ocean that this bird would need to cross."

Among birders and ornithologists, the unusual sighting has invited theories about this bird's origins.

Cass Talbott doubted that the bird made it all the way across the Pacific Ocean on its own two wings.

"What seems more likely is — especially since it is in the heart of migration season for this species in Asia — that this bird may have gotten blown off course during migration," he said.

A storm could have whisked the bird toward the ocean, or it could have hopped a ride on a cargo ship, or maybe a combination of the two, he conjectured.

Just a few days later, another blue rock-thrush sighting occurred further down the Pacific coast, deepening the intrigue. About 500 miles away from the Oregon site, the same subspecies was photographed by researchers on Southeast Farallon Island off the coast of San Francisco.

It's unclear whether this is the same bird or a second bird, the ABA said , adding that "both scenarios seem about equally likely."

"Both possibilities are so rare that it's really hard to know," Cass Talbott said.

He speculated that it was the same bird, blown south by a recent wind recorded in the region, while trying to get back home.

As for hobbyist photographer Sanchez, the buzz around his early work has inspired him to expand his focus.

"I have more of an interest in photographing birds now," he said. "I don't imagine I'll ever get something like that again. But, you know, it does help me to notice birds a little bit more."

Bird never seen in US, the blue rock thrush, reportedly spotted on Oregon coast

"it became quickly apparent that this was a very unusual experience," said michael sanchez, whose photos of what appears to be a blue rock thrush have shocked the birding world..

Michael Sanchez had traveled from Vancouver, Washington to northwest Oregon last week to take photographs of waterfalls – not birds.

An amateur photographer, Sanchez, 41, figured the scenic sites of Hug Point along the coast of the North Pacific Ocean would be an idyllic setting for him to hone his craft. While Sanchez was waiting one morning for the sunrise to completely crest some nearby cliffs, he just happened to notice a small bird nearby.

The critter, which Sanchez took as nothing more than a common blackbird, seemed to be as good a subject as any for him to practice his photography skills before the lighting was good enough to start snapping some waterfall photos.

But when he got back home to Washington and began processing his photos, Sanchez realized it was no mere blackbird that he had photographed. Its blue and chestnut coloreds mystified Sanchez, who was prompted to post his photos on Facebook to see if any avian experts could help him identify the species.

That's how Sanchez learned that he had inadvertently captured photo evidence of a bird so uncommon to the U.S., that some experts are baffled as to how it even got here. The bird, which is widely believed to be a blue rock thrush, is a native of Europe and Asia that has rarely – if ever – been spotted in North America.

"I didn't know it was rare but I had never seen anything like that," Sanchez told USA TODAY on Monday. "It became quickly apparent that this was a very unusual experience."

Birders flock to Hug Point to relocate rare thrush

Sanchez managed to take four photos on April 21 of the bird, which he spotted on a beach during a solo trip to the Hug Point State Recreation Site in Seaside, Oregon.

While Sanchez is not a birder himself, his photos of the apparent blue rock thrush shocked the birding world.

The American Birding Association shared his photo on the group's Facebook page , prompting many members to use adjectives like "insane" and "whoa" to describe the find. Many other birders besides have reportedly swarmed Hug Point to try to find the bird again.

Spokespersons for Oregon State Parks did not immediately respond to USA TODAY on Monday.

"When you're told that something is practically unheard of like this, I was like, 'really, me?'" said Sanchez, a middle school band teacher. "They were all atwitter about this and really conveyed the message that this was something special and very unique."

Blue rock thrush is among rarest in U.S.

Experts say they are confident that the bird in the photo will soon be confirmed as a blue rock thrush, making Sanchez's find exceedingly rare.

While a blue rock thrush was previously spotted in British Columbia in 1997, no previous records exist of such a bird anywhere in the United States, Brodie Cass Talbott, a senior educator at the Bird Alliance of Oregon , told USA TODAY.

"This might be the rarest bird ever found in Oregon," Cass Talbott said, "and right up there with any of the rarest birds ever found in the country."

Because the species is known to breed in Russia, Cass Talbott said it's remarkable that no records exist of any blue rock thrush sightings in nearby Alaska.

It's possible the bird accidentally migrated in the fall down the west coast of North American instead of the east coast of Asia if it was blown off course by a storm, Cass Talbott said. Another option is that the bird got lost at sea and then hitched a ride on a boat headed for the west coast.

"We'll never know, but the birding community is abuzz with conjecture," Cass Talbott said.

What makes the sighting even more perplexing, Cass Talbott explained, is that another blue rock thrush was  spotted a few days later on the Farallon Islands off California . No one knows if this was the same bird or a different one, but "both are so extremely unlikely that it seems hard to know which is more likely," Cass Talbott said.

All of the excitement has enthralled Sanchez, who said he may just have to make it a point to photograph more birds in the future as he continues with his budding photography hobby.

"I can foresee myself being a little more curious about the birds around me," Sanchez said, before adding with a laugh: "I'm not counting on seeing something that rare again so all my beginner's luck is used up, I think."

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]