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.