Location: Columbia River Gorge, Washington – Carson, Washington
Distance: .5 Mile Out and back Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 200 Feet
Season: All seasons. Best after spring run off. 4WD often required in winter
Foot Traffic: Moderate
Date Hiked: Sunday, July 18, 2021
Overview
Washington State is home to more waterfalls than any other state in the United States. Not only does it house the most waterfalls but it is home to some of the best. Panther Creek Falls is unquestionably one of the most beautiful waterfalls not only in Washington but in all of the country.
The falls are located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and make for a great, quick day hike. An extremely short forested trail under a mossy canopy, takes visitors to two separate lookouts. The right side of the falls can dry up a little bit by summertime. However, the falls are beautiful in all seasons. A dirt pull out for parking is located on the right hand side of the road in front of a scree filled hill. Cross the street and head backwards to access the trail. This is a waterfall that you will never forget.
Trail Description and My Story
My wife, our daughter Scout and myself arrived at the Panther Creek campground around 7:00 PM and were able to snag the last campsite. It had been a long day and therefore my wife’s plan was to set up camp and relax for the evening.
However, I talked her into making the ten minute drive up to Panther Creek Falls with me. After having a bit of a tough time finding where to go, we ended up figuring out it was a pullout on the right hand side of the road with a big rock hill filled with scree behind it.
Once we got out of the car we found arrows painted on the gravel pointing to the trailhead. We crossed to the other side of the street and headed backwards. It was now 8:15 PM and we were losing light, so we picked up the pace.
First and Second Viewing Areas
About ten yards behind where we had just parked was a signed trail marker nailed into a tree. The trail began directly to the left of that and descended on a now nicely forested trail. The trail is very well maintained and suitable for even the most novice of hikers. In no time we arrived at a fork and made a right towards the first viewing area and caught our first glimpse of the falls.
This is where the wooden guard rails come in and the view of the falls is a little obstructed. The lower viewing area is by far the better of the two. We took a few pictures and made our way back to the junction and then on to the lower viewing area. In all it took us less than ten minutes to reach the bottom of the falls. The falls were stunning and beyond explanation.
The Falls
Our daughter was only nine weeks old and of course, was sleeping on us at this point. Meanwhile, my wife grabbed her tripod and made her way to the creek to take some pictures as I sat with our daughter and soaked in the scenery.
The guardrails are in place for a reason and the signs ask that you stay behind them for your safety. The stream is very fast moving so make sure to keep your distance. The entire setting was beyond anything I could have imagined and truly blew me away.
As it was gradually growing darker under the forest canopy, we reluctantly decided it was time to head back. I wish we would have had more daylight and time at the falls but nevertheless this was an experience and a waterfall that I will always feel so appreciative to have had the chance to have visited.
Getting to Panther Creek Falls
Columbia River Gorge, Washington – Carson, Washington
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- No, there is no fee to park or hike the Panther Creek Falls trail.
Are pets allowed?
- Yes, pets are allowed on the trail but must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up after your animals and please follow the National Park Services B.A.R.K principles.
- Bag your pet’s waste
- Always leash your pet
- Respect wildlife
- Know where you can go
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- No, there are no restrooms at the trailhead. Please go before you go.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
