Details
Region: Western Columbia Gorge
Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Carson, Skamania County WA
DEN Rating: 9/10
Trail Length: 0.8 miles total
Trail Type: out and back
Hike Time: 10 – 15 minutes each way
Trail Difficulty: fairly easy 3/10 to upper viewpoint, moderately easy 4/10 to main viewpoint
Elevation Gain: 200 feet to lower main viewpoint
Trail Surface: dirt and rocks
Popularity: 4/10
Family friendly: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Handicapped accessible: No
Swimming: no
Camping: no (but the surrounding area is a dispersed camping area)
Restroom: none
Open Hours: dawn to dusk
Season: May – October
Pass or Permit: none required
Managed by: US Forest Service
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Panther Creek Falls is incredible throughout the accessible season, including autumn.
Panther Creek Falls in October – H
Panther Creek Falls is perhaps the most intricate and photogenic waterfall I have ever visited, which is saying a lot because I have been to hundreds. It’s particularly incredible in autumn when the oncoming chill turns the surrounding vine maple trees and maidenhair ferns shades of orange, gold, and tan. I’m a huge fan of … Read more
Panther Creek Falls is possibly the most unique and picturesque waterfall in all of the Northwest. The main upper tier of the falls is is actually three waterfalls in one – Panther Creek pours in from the right while two spring-fed cascades splash and slither down mosssy walls on the left side. When the water is high Panther Creek spreads out across the brink of the falls in many cataracts. A second, lower tier is just downstream where the stream splits into three or four side-by-side plunges.
Panther Creek Falls is a truly great spot. The primary viewpoint used to be from a platform next to the brink of the falls, but the Forest Service has dismantled it and built a set of two new viewpoints at the base of the falls. The trail to the original (now upper) viewpoint is easy, with elaborate fencing to keep visitors out of habitat restoration areas and away from the dangerous edge of the falls. The view from here is not as good anymore.
The moderately easy trail to the new viewpoint descends through a gorgeous forest with ferns, wild rhododendrons, and an array of wildflowers right at eye level. As you approach the viewpoint the trail gets a bit more difficult as it passes along the base of a cliff. The trail here follows directly in the cliff’s drip line so expect mud or water running on the trail, and to get splashed or dripped on in the wet season. The two-tiered main viewpoint is just passed the cliffside. It’s got two viewing areas connected by a short switchback and some steps. Ignore the short scramble path at the downstream (furthest) viewing area – it looks like it leads to a good view but it’s very misty, slippery, and has been badly trampled. The best views are from the developed viewing areas.
All of the cataracts to the right of the main falls stop flowing once the spring runoff dies down.
Panther Creek Waterfall Wonderland
At high flows Panther Creek spills over its bank above the main falls, creating the proliferation of cataracts seen on the right in this image shot in late spring. It also generates a huge volume of mist making photography difficult. Thankfully I found this vantage point on the side of the upper main viewpoint out … Read more
Follow the more difficult (7/10) scramble trail on the left if you want a streamside view of the lower tier of the falls. It’s steep so not suitable for dogs or kids. Keep your hands free and use handholds as you descend down the sections where the tree roots have formed steep steps, and be careful not to trample vegetation. You’ll find this spur at the switchback corner between the two main viewing areas.
Side view of Lower Panther Creek Falls as seen from the main trail in late October.
Falling Through Shadow
I really like this angle of Lower Panther Creek Falls, looking down on it from the main Panther Creek Falls trail. The photo is so evocative of October, with a few colored leaves decorating the ground and surrounding forest in the gathering evening shadow around the falls. To find out more about Panther Creek Falls: … Read more
Pretty and seldom seen, the lower tier of Panther Creek Falls is particularly glorious in late spring when the falls grotto is extra misty and mossy.
Enchanted
Panther Creek Falls is perhaps the most photogenic waterfall I’ve ever seen. While most people ignore this lower tier, a few minutes of climbing down is well worth the trouble when rewarded with this stunning view. For me, Panther Creek Falls is the ambassador of that signature cool, mossy Northwest vibe that feels like an … Read more
Panther Creek Falls is one of my absolute favorite spots for a few reasons. The falls itself are unlike any I’ve seen – powerfully grand yet remarkably delicate and intricate. I’m always amazed how few people there are here even though it’s pretty easy to access. This is especially true in the evening. I’ve been here a few times where I have been the only person at the viewpoint! Another great aspect is how cool and shady the viewpoint is, making it a wonderful spot to visit on hot summer days. There is always some mist in the air here. In the wet season the character changes as the falls grow impressively, transforming the light mist into excessive billows of spray which blow into the viewpoint. It can become a constant drizzle – honestly a raincoat is a good idea if you’ve visiting in the spring or fall! The falls calm down by early July and pick up in October after a few soaking rains. All the mist has created a luxurious carpet of moss everywhere which stays green throughout the summer. In the second half of October there’s a bouquet of fall color surrounding the entire scene as a bonus.
The head-on view of Panther Creek Falls from the lower main viewpoint shows how wide this waterfall actually is. At higher flows it becomes even wider with additional falls on the right side.
Autumn At Panther Creek Falls
Red and orange leaves pepper the surroundings at picturesque Panther Creek Falls in October. Thankfully the returning autumn rain had not increased the flow volume much, because at high flows this view from the lower main viewpoint looks straight into the mist making it nearly impossible to capture a good photo without tons of little … Read more
Cautions
A fall from the old Upper Viewpoint would be fatal. Keep kids and pets behind the fencing and away from the ledge. Exercise caution where the trail passes next to the cliff base – the rocks can get slippery and the trail becomes soggy in the wet season. There is a steeper slope dropping away on the left as you approach the main viewpoint but not too bad. Panther Creek is an extremely cold and swift stream with a slippery and soft bank which is steeper than it looks so stay well away from the water.
Getting There
You’ll find Panther Creek Falls about eight miles up Panther Creek Road off Wind River Highway. From the town of Carson, WA, head north on Wind River Highway for 5.8 miles (as measured from the SR-14 / Wind River Hwy traffic circle). Turn right onto Old State Road, then take an almost immediate left onto Panther Creek Rd (NF-65). The road is narrow, winding, and steep in places. On the bright side, the paved road surface is surprisingly good. You’ll know you’re there when you come to a big open area on the right – the site of an old rock quarry. Park here in the roadside quarry area (no permit required), then walk back down the road about 50 yards (watch for traffic!) Look for an arrow spraypainted on the road pointing to the right – the signed trailhead on the right can be easy to miss. After about 75 yards you will come to a signed trail junction as the understory clears – right is the short and easy path to the old upper viewpoint, while left leads you through the forest and along the cliff base to the new viewpoint.
Panther Creek Road is not maintained in the cold season and becomes impassable in mid to late fall. There is a gate along the road which I imagine gets locked in winter. It is usually clear by early May.
Photographers Tip:
The old upper viewpoint is not plagued by mist the way the new viewpoint is but it’s much more dangerous than the new viewpoint. The upper of the two tiers of the main viewpoint is less misty overall as it is blocked more by the cliff. At lower water levels you will have much less problem with spray but the falls become less interesting as the cataracts to the right of the main plunge disappear. Cloudy days are best for even lighting across the falls. On sunny days you will only have even lighting right around dawn and an hour or less before sunset, with patchy blobs of light across the falls for most of the day. Additionally, the forest you’ll pass through en route, especially near Panther Creek Campground and near the bridge over Panther Creek, is absolutely gorgeous in autumn.
Links
https://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall/Panther-Creek-Falls-5248
https://thegorgeguide.com/panther-creek-falls-washington/#google_vignette
https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/washington/panther-creek-falls
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31868
https://gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/panther-creek-falls.html
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/panther-creek-falls-trail-137
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Panther_Creek_Falls_Hike
The side view of Panther Creek Falls found at the upper main viewpoint is a great angle for a nice, tight composition. What a stunning place!
Panther Creek Falls In October – V
Panther Creek Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls to photograph. It’s so exquisitely graceful and intricate. I keep returning and shooting from the same few accessible viewpoints over and over, hoping to be present at a moment when the falls is especially full, moody, or giving a particular feel. I especially love this side … Read more
