Few waterfalls on Washington’s aspect of the Columbia River Gorge can match the wonder and accessibility of Panther Creek Falls. Positioned within the Gifford Pinchot Nationwide Forest close to the city of Carson, the gorgeous 130-foot waterfall is likely one of the most photogenic waterfalls in southern Washington. Regardless of requiring a hike of lower than a mile spherical journey, Panther Creek Falls delivers a spectacular reward, with a number of streams cascading down lichen-covered basalt cliffs right into a lush, emerald canyon under. Whether or not you are looking for the most effective waterfalls in Washington, a straightforward Columbia River Gorge hike, or a family-friendly journey full of unbelievable surroundings, mountaineering to Panther Creek Falls presents one of many greatest payoffs for the shortest hikes within the Columbia River Gorge space.
Trailhead elevation 1,825′
Do not miss the decrease viewpoint
Mountaineering to Panther Creek Falls
The Panther Creek Falls trailhead is situated alongside Forest Highway 65 (NF-65), roughly 12 miles north of Carson. Tucked away within the lush forests of Gifford Pinchot Nationwide Forest, the trailhead includes a parking space that may accommodate a dozen or extra autos and barely reaches capability, even on busy weekends. Better of all, no parking go or day-use payment is required.
From the parking space, the path begins simply throughout the highway, the place a clearly marked path rapidly leads hikers into one of the crucial rewarding brief hikes on the Washington aspect of the Columbia River Gorge.
Inside a couple of hundred ft, the path reaches a signed junction. Turning proper results in the higher overlook, whereas persevering with left descends to the bottom of Panther Creek Falls. For the reason that whole hike is lower than a mile spherical journey, most guests select to go to each viewpoints, every providing a singular perspective of considered one of Washington’s most stunning waterfalls.
The higher overlook is barely a brief stroll from the junction and supplies a superb hen’s-eye view of Panther Creek Falls because it tumbles over huge basalt cliffs. Wanting upstream, hikers can even admire the dashing waters of Panther Creek winding by way of the forest.
The creek itself has an attention-grabbing historical past. Based on native accounts, an early settler named B. Tillotson encountered a mountain lion resting on a log spanning the creek. On the time, settlers generally referred to mountain lions as “panthers,” and the identify Panther Creek has endured ever since. Tollotson dubbed the stream Panther Creek and the identify caught.
After taking within the higher viewpoint, hikers can return to the junction and observe the path downhill towards the bottom of the waterfall. The descent is reasonably steep however nicely definitely worth the effort, passing beneath towering Douglas firs and western purple cedars whereas weaving beside moss-covered cliffs that completely seize the luxurious fantastic thing about the Columbia River Gorge.
The decrease viewpoint delivers the hike’s signature view. Standing on the base of the falls, hikers can hear the thunder of dashing water, really feel the cool mist drifting by way of the amphitheater, and totally recognize why Panther Creek Falls is taken into account one of the crucial photogenic waterfalls in Washington.
In contrast to a standard waterfall that plunges straight over a cliff, Panther Creek Falls follows a singular course. The creek sweeps throughout the cliff face, makes an nearly 90-degree flip, after which spills over two distinct tiers. Beside the primary circulation, a broad, spring-fed curtain of water pours over the encircling moss- and lichen-covered columnar basalt cliffs, making a spectacular multi-stream cascade that adjustments character all year long.
About 100 ft downstream, hikers can even spot the crest of one other waterfall. Whereas there is no such thing as a protected or official route to achieve its base, catching a glimpse of the cascade from up shut provides one other layer of magnificence to an already unbelievable scene.
After having fun with the views, merely retrace your steps to the trailhead. Should you’re hoping to expertise one other unbelievable waterfall whilst you’re within the space, take into account pairing the hike with close by Falls Creek Falls, situated about half-hour away. At 335 ft tall, it’s the tallest waterfall on the Washington aspect of the Columbia River Gorge, making the 2 hikes an impressive one-day waterfall outing.
