Spring means mountain runoff, making it a good time to see Northern Utah’s many waterfalls in their full glory.

We’ve assembled a list of the best places to see falling water — along with wildflowers, sweeping views and shaded forest — in the region.

Given the state’s above-average snowpack this year, be sure to check trail conditions before venturing out. Steer clear of swift-running creeks or flooded trails and heed closure signs. Keep an eye on pets and children, too. 

1. DAVIS CREEK TRAIL

Davis Creek Trail makes for a quick hike with nice views of Farmington and the Great Salt Lake. The trail is well marked and has a bench for enjoying the waterfall at about the halfway point.

There’s also an option to visit the Indian Bathtubs natural pools. This section is steep but has ropes and chains to help. Or take the spurs to Pretty Valley and the trail through Hell Hole, which leads to another waterfall. 

Directions: Follow Woodland Drive in Farmington until it becomes Little Valley Road. Park near the reservoir and follow the Bonneville Shoreline Trail about 250 feet to the trailhead. 

Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,791 feet

2. FARMINGTON CREEK TRAIL

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This trail meanders up Farmington Canyon and offers plenty of shade, lots of wildflowers and a pleasant waterfall at the end. There’s also an option to hike above the waterfall and continue on to the Sunset Campground. 

Directions: Take 600 North in Farmington east to Skyline Drive. The road travels up Farmington Canyon, and the trailhead is located where the pavement ends.

Distance: 4 miles roundtrip 

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,163 feet

3. DEUEL CREEK 

There are two options for hiking Deuel Creek: the north trail and the south trail. The north trail has a steep climb, offering a high, more expansive vista of Centerville Canyon and its 40-foot waterfall.

The south trail criss-crosses the creek with log bridges and passes directly next to the waterfall. Both trails eventually meet and can be combined to make a loop. Small children might need help on the steep, rocky sections at the start. 

Directions: Take Centerville’s Parish Lane east until it meets 700 East, then turn left to head north. Turn right to head south after the parking lot and travel 0.4 miles until you see a reservoir. Both the north and south trailheads are well-marked with signs and maps. 

Distance: around 3 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,011 feet

4. OGDEN’S WATERFALL CANYON

Waterfall Canyon is one of the most popular trails in Ogden, and it’s easy to see why. The route is a sustained uphill hike but still family-friendly.

It starts on the Bonneville Trail and passes through the T.R. Guest Ranch. Because this section is private land, the owner occasionally closes the trail and has asked for photo I.D. in the past, so plan accordingly.

From there, the trail then follows a creek into Waterfall Canyon and culminates at the 300-foot Malan Falls.

Directions: Park at the trailhead at the end of 29th Street on the east side of Ogden. Follow the trails signs for the Bonneville Shoreline and Waterfall Canyon. 

Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,197 feet

5. ADAMS CANYON

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The Adams Canyon trail is a steep but doable trail with a big payoff. The trail switchbacks to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail then heads right into the canyon with a stream crossing and cool, refreshing forest.

The trail can be icy in the spring, so use caution. About a quarter of a mile in, there will be a waterfall to the right — but that’s just to whet the appetite. The pièce de résistance is at the end, at around the two mile mark — a stunning 40-foot cascade.

Directions: Follow Oak Hills Drive in Layton (State Road 109) to U.S. 89. Follow the highway north until you can turn right onto the frontage road to the east (Eastside Dr.). The parking lot is at the bend in the road near the reservoir and the trailhead is well-marked. 

Distance: 3.8 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,420 feet

Contact Reporter Leia Larsen at 801-625-4289 or llarsen@standard.net. Follow her on Facebook.com/leiaoutside or on Twitter @LeiaLarsen.