Panther Creek Falls

This is one of the prettiest falls I’ve seen. The hike is simple and short. Don’t bother going to the viewpoint, it is waste of time, nothing to see there. Follow the trail to go to the bottom of the fall, there’s a sign posted on the tree. Quick note: google map might take you to little farther ahead at the wrong spot but stop at the parking area (you’ll see other cars parked or clearly visible on the map as well). The trail is just behind the parking area.

This was about one mile. Follow the white arrows on the ground after parking at the rock wall. Once you enter the trail, right goes to the top viewpoint, and left is to the base of the falls. Wear hiking shoes. Sandals or flip flops will not be stable enough. There is a path for walking, but it's unpaved and not level. The hike is easy. If you want to touch the water at the base, you'll need to climb over the fence and go off the hiking path. This is a beautiful waterfall.

I took my dog @ShelbyDaPooch to Panther Creek Falls this past weekend. Sadly I think that #Shelby.Da.Pooch is in a bit better shape than I am. The hike to the falls was a bit of a challenge. There were some pretty steep and narrow parts. The hike wasn't that long, but it sure felt like it was. Once you get there, it makes it worth the hike. Definitely worth it. This is one of the prettiest falls we've been to.

What is so crazy about experiencing Panther Creek Falls is I did not originally have it on my radar. I planned to walk around the quaint town of Stevenson to get a taste of what is there instead of just usually driving through to go elsewhere. I looked to see how long the drive would be and happened to see the falls on the map not far from Stevenson. I was intrigued and I’m typically down with being spontaneous so I decided we would start with the falls before a walkabout in town. Sheer delight going to Panther Creek!! First, the drive in the Gorge area is beautiful in itself! If you’re on the Oregon side, reach it by popping across the Bridge of the Gods. Once you wind your way up into Gifford Pinchot National Forest Campground, you will reach Panther Creek. And yes it is worth it! There are areas where people pull off to camp, streams running through in some of those areas. Panther Creek Falls—it is FOREST BATHING in full effect, what a stimulation of your senses with nature as the driver. Let the photos here tell you a story of Nature in all its splendor—prepare to take in oxygenated air, the smell of life through earth, the breeze gently passing you, the sound of vibrant water rushing down, birds happily moving about and crystal clear water to refresh your skin. Visitors have 2 choices…a shortcut to view the falls with a short hike or a path up, around and down to descend to the falls. The hike option is not terribly long but if you are not used to it, the path can be a bit challenging. The path is narrow for sure so wear shoes/boots with grip. We opted for breathable, lightweight long shirts to avoid bites. Temps were about 84 and it was warm, you do work up a sweat. I had hiking poles to help me with my knees. By the water temps feel like 10 degrees cooler but only right by the water. What a fantastic, peaceful, grounding way to spend an afternoon!

The parking area has no signage. There are painted arrows on the road directing you to the trail. It’s an easy trail till you hit the split in the trail. The right path is an easy stroll to a viewpoint on top. The left path is a little more strenuous, but has beautiful views from the bottom. Panther Creek Falls is a complex 130-foot waterfall. On the right side Panther Creek is channeled into a deep groove that steers the water over the drop in a two-tier plunge, while a small portion of the creek avoids the crevasse and drops directly to the pool below. On the left side and the mossy face, the water comes out through multiple springs that allow the water to course though the rocks and moss face.

Bucket list hike and waterfall for sure. One of the most stunning Falls in Washington at almost 130 ft. This has these whispering tendrils of water. Bisected by emerald green growth and incredibly beautiful area next to the Columbia River at the South end of the Mount Rainier Forest areas. This is one off of my bucket list that I look forward to visiting time and time again. A very very short Trail off of an Old Forest road down to the waterfall and then back up. We're spending some time down at the Falls and picnicking

Our first visit to this Waterfall. There were only three other couples on the trail while we were there. It was relatively early at 9:30 on a saturday on holiday weekend. There is a gravel parking lot large enough to comfortably accommodate 25 cars. We travel about 7 or 8 mi on what I would call a single Lane road, however wide enough for two cars to pass. The parking lot is about 200 ft past the trailhead. The trail height is marked. The hike is short. Not sure on distance. There are areas of rocks on the trail and steep drop-offs to one side. The trail very manageable but could be more than some are comfortable with if they have any issues with footing or dizziness?

Somebody posted that this place is the one of places I should visit before die. Yes, right for the fall itself. It’s beautiful but that is it. They are still developing the path and around. It might take time. Some people need hiking sticks or help on going down. I drove down to there for 2 hours. The mountain road was good condition but narrow. No internet there.

Beautiful. Be sure to see it from both viewpoints!! My favorite was the view from below.

Panther Creek Falls is nice, it's pleasant, but among all the grand waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge area, it's just okay. Panther Creek is located 13 miles north of the town of Carson, Washington off Highway 14. It won't blow you away, but could be worthwhile for those people who are waterfall enthusiasts...and who are trying to check off seeing as many waterfalls as possible along the Washington - Oregon border. There are so many. This part of the USA is just spectacular to visit, and very underrated in my opinion. And so the trailhead for Panther Creek Falls is situated right off the road. I parked along the shoulder which was fine. Also, I entered the falls' address into Google Maps ahead of time because the closer you get to Panther Creek, the more likely you'll lose cell phone reception and there are no road signs assisting you for finding this quick roadside stop. Once here, a small trailhead sign directs you to Panther Creek Falls. It's only 1/3rd of a mile long. So ultimately you don't need to allocate much time for the visit. The trail passes through the quiet forest where you'll have 2 options to pick from...the Viewpoint or the Bottom of the Falls. Since it's so short of a hike/walk, you might as well stop at both spots. First heading to the Viewpoint, the falls are right in front of you for the most part. I took a picture or two. It was nothing special and so after a couple of minutes I returned back onto the trail and headed for the Bottom of the Falls. At the base of Panther Creek Falls, there's a wooden railing separating you from entering the creek that the waterfall splashes down onto. A warning sign says not to venture past it because of dangerous footing. Standing at the bottom of the falls didn't give me a chills type of moment. Panther Creek is marginal looking when comparing it to what else is around. When I reflect back on the experience (with places like Multnomah Falls, LaTourell Falls and Horsetail Falls so close by and much more heralded), coming here was just average. Some last notes... - I showed up at 6pm back at the end of July and the forest started to cover what remaining sunlight was left in the sky. - It's free to visit. There was no one else here on the trail or at the falls but myself. They say it's a 130-foot waterfall, but it didn't appear to be that tall. - I used one hour to walk down to the base with returning back to my car. That's how fast it takes. Also, the walking trail isn't elevated. There were a few switchbacks heading down to the bottom. From here, the next stop the following day along my waterfalls journey was Spirit Falls, about 25 miles east back along Highway 14 and near the town of Cook, Washington. Spirit Falls was a much better time, and still, yet another hidden gem situated along the Columbia River Gorge. In the end, Panther Creek Falls can be visited, but it can also be skipped. For me, it was like a fun game to see how many different waterfalls I could get to so I didn't mind stopping by.

Gorgeous and unique! It's definitely worth going out of your way to see the Panther Creek Falls. There's some parking right across from the trail entrance (no bathrooms). The walk is railed off to lead you to a viewing area near the top of the falls. They don't want you going beyond the walkway, made clear by frequent signs. The short trail down to the upper viewing area is beautiful, but do not stop at the upper view (as long as you're able). The narrow and rocky trail down to the lower level viewing is pretty short, but semi-steep with some slippery rocks. The view from the lower level is amazing. The falls are lush and wide, with water streaming from various spots at different rates. It's a very unique and peaceful site to see. Highly recommend!

Gorgeous waterfall | quick hike We visited this waterfall a couple of times. Once was during Memorial Day Weekend and another time was during a fall weekend. There's more people out during a holiday. There's dirt parking off the side of the road. Many people are tempted to scramble up this pile of rocks and then look down regretting their poor decision. Every single person I've seen, kids included, have a difficult and slow descent as some rocks slide down. (don't do it in the first place) Cross safely across the road. There's actually a sign pointing you in the direction to where the fall is. There's a small opening of a trail head, and that's where you begin your trek down to the falls. It's literally a 5-minute hike. You'll come to the viewing platform and see the huge waterfall. Some folks go down, which I hear is actually treacherous, as some folks have died. Beautiful waterfall that's basically roadside, but not handicap accessible. No bathrooms. Camping nearby. An hour from this waterfall is another beautiful hike and waterfall called Falls Creek Falls.

My wife was smart enough to write down the details for finding Panther Creek Falls, because, as she suspected, we had intermittent cell service the closer we got. And, this wonderful spot isn't really marked out at the road when you're driving by. But, once you make it here, the reasonably spacious parking area at the bottom of a rubble stone hillside make it easy to know you've arrived. A couple of unofficial, spray painted arrows pointed us towards the trail. There are two short hiking options once you find the trail. One branch leads to a viewpoint looking at the top of the falls, and the other takes you on a switchback down to the bottom. The second is somewhat steeper, but neither option is particularly strenuous. As you get to either viewpoint, there are fences along the edge of the trail and warning signs (sadly, largely ignored) intended to protect visitors from their own stupidity. This is a wonderful, little known but easy to get to, place to enjoy part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Review #999, and so glad it's such a special location! This is such a beautifully unique looking waterfall! It's location is certainly off the beaten path, but it's a nice scenic drive to get there & bonus points because the road is both paved AND in good shape with not many potholes. The trailhead is somewhat hidden because people keep stealing the trailhead sign the forest service puts up. There's a large turnout to park at and the trailhead is about 25 yards back on the opposite side of the road from where you park. There are NO restroom facilities. You'll definitely want to plug in directions or do a screenshot of the directions before you head there because you will most likely lose your cell signal. The hike to the waterfall is short, only 5 minutes from the road. The dirt trail does wind around & has a fair incline to it, but since it's such a short hike it's not bad. There are a lot of signs warning people to stay on the trail as numerous people have died climbing down for a different views. Stay safe & on the trail!

A very beautiful Waterfall. If you see a bare parking lot. You have arrived. The falls is across the road. You have to walk a short distance,

Beautiful natural landscape and drive. Paved road with some trees down. Single lanes road at times. Some needing repair but mostly fine. The falls are not marked well. We drove to the 4 corners and missed it. We turned around due to snow. Finally found someone to ask. While driving up you will come across a rock wall on the left side that is kinda open and looks like a mountain shooting range. Best parking for the falls. The trail is on opposite side of road and hard to see but walking along the road you can see it. If you are more experienced hiker continue to walk past the opening of the trail and just before the corner you will find another trail that will lead to the base of the waterfall.

This place is a little hidden, you ride down a small 2 lane country road and park at the first opening/gravel parking lot on the right. There is a spray painted arrow on the street that shows you the entrance to the small trail to the overlook. There is a way down, to the bottom but I couldn't find it, but it was still a cool place to take the kids.

the hike is a bit dangerous, but it was most definitely worth it. the view was spectacular, very very very beautiful. i plan on going again.

This is my favorite hidden gem. It's an absolutely beautiful drive out to this waterfall. I was blown away with how gorgeous the view was. It's a little hard to get here as the road is extremely narrow, but it's worth the slow drive!

On my trip to Portland, I wanted to go to this fall on a whim based on a google picture. And oh my goodness, what a beautiful and marvelous adventure I had that day exploring the rich nature of the north west. This waterfall is not known to many but it was definitely the best one I've seen after seeing 4 others in the northwest Oregon area. It was about a 90 minute drive from Portland and you will drive through to WA and go through the narrow roads into the forest. There were a lot of broken trees and fallen branches that could've blocked the road but luckily we could still drive though. Anyway, we didn't know exactly where the waterfall was but parked among where the other cars were already parking. We kept missing the sign to where it was and the sign was actually written on the floor! There is short straightforward path that leads you to a deck area where you can take pictures from mid level of the fall but we wanted to go down and be closer to it. The hike down wasn't much of a hike but a tricky maneuver down a very muddy and steep path. There were ropes already tied to certain steep areas for you to grip on. But I think if you have the right shoes, it won't be so hard for I saw older folks and little kids on the bottom. It was well worth it when you come down. The view was amazing and you will look up to that waterfall and think what a mere tiny human you are compared to this. The picture I provided is not even the whole waterfall! The view is also amazing all around and there's a lot to admire in every turn. We stayed here admiring the scenery for a while and I honestly just wanted to sit down on just stare at it forever. I wish I was there right now!

Beautiful. Two waterfalls in one...you have the tall cascading falls and you also have a multi-step cascading fall. Both are accessible from the same path. Be sure to park when you see the dirt to the side of the road...don't go up the switchback. Walk to the south of the parking lot, then down another 40 feet, then cross the road. There is no sign marking the entrance and you wouldn't see it if you weren't looking for it. It's a narrow path at times, and a little steep. Not for someone with a walker or cane...or honestly, if you get out of breath too easily. It took us about 10 minutes to make our way down.

This is a quiet sanctuary found less than half a mile from the main road. The observation deck provides a decent view, however, the main attraction is at the foot of the falls. Getting to the bottom requires some flexibility and athleticism as there is a vertical wall segment and small horizontal 'traverse'. This is an easy decent and re-ascent for those with rock climbing experience.