Just a 30-minute drive from Portland, Oregon, the roaring Multnomah Falls crashes a spectacular 611 feet into the pool at its base. Standing on Benson Bridge, which straddles the cascade, you get a perfect view up to the summit and a real sense of just how powerful the water is.

In Iceland's south-western region stands the 32m high double waterfall of Gullfoss. Here, the Hvita River thunders over two drops, almost at right angles to each other, to create one of Iceland's most spectacular natural scenes. On a sunny day, look out for rainbows forming in the giant plumes of spray rising from its base.

Straddling the border between China and Vietnam, these gorgeous falls cascade in stages from the forested hills above to the tranquil pool at their base. The thundering effect of the water hitting the rocks can be heard from a great distance, especially in the rainy season.

Fed by nearby Mealt Loch, the Mealt Falls on the Isle of Skye plummet 180 feet from the top of the cliffs to the sea below. A rare sight to see a cascade fall straight into the sea, this fall is made all the better by the surrounding beauty of the Inner Hebrides.

This picture-perfect waterfall is located in the Southern African country of Lesotho. Standing at a towering 650 feet tall, Maletsunyane Falls tumbles from a ledge of basalt before proceeding down a lush, green valley. It's a popular abseiling spot, holding the title for 'highest commercially operated abseil in the world.'