Incredibly intense footage out of Eastern Washington where James Shimizu paddled over one of the biggest navigable waterfalls in the world on 2 April 2019, alongside Knox Hammack, in what were the third and fourth descents of Palouse Falls. Any false moves during the descent that led to an awkward entry angle could have been catastrophic. It can not be understated how truly gnarly this is.
Updated 21 September 2026 — the record, and the correct numbers
Guinness World Records lists Shimizu’s descent at 57.6 m (189 ft), equalling the men’s record Tyler Bradt set on the same waterfall in 2009; Bradt’s drop was first reported as 186 ft and later re-surveyed at 189.5 ft, which is where the two figures come from. Knox Hammack ran it the same day. Rafa Ortiz’s 2012 attempt did not count, as he was ejected from the boat in the landing pool.
“It was an absolutely surreal day that I still can’t believe happened.” –James Shimizu
Carved more than 13,000 years ago, the Palouse River runs through a narrow cataract and drops just under 200 feet at Palouse Falls into a churning bowl. From there, the water current moves swiftly through a winding gorge of columnar basalt, to its southern end at the Snake River.
The park offers three distinct views of the falls. The lower viewpoint provides a direct view that is reached by a set of steps from the main day-use area adjacent to the parking lot. The second, at the end of a paved interpretive path, explains the history of the secluded canyon. Both the interpretive path and gravel secondary parking area lead to the third and highest viewpoint, the Fryxell Overlook. This overlook offers panoramic views of the falls and Palouse River Canyon.