Panther Creek Falls | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Visually Panther Creek Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in all of the United States. Found where Panther Creek plunges over a pair of steps in its valley, the creek begins by rushing towards the upper cliff, with a small portion of the creek splitting off from the main flow and plunging directly over the edge. The remaining 90 percent of the stream makes a hard right turn and follows a natural trough along the top of the cliff, contouring around the top of the horseshoe-shaped basin until reaching the far side, then plunging in a twisting fall for 69 feet to the bottom of the first step. Immediately adjacent to the main stream a large spring sends a broad veil of water sheeting 102 feet down the side of the canyon. After the collective waters of these streams merge, they plunge over the second tier in three distinct channels, falling 30 feet into a pool, with a broad 4-foot ledge immediately below to culminate the formation. Without visual aids to illustrate the scene it's quite complicated to imagine and grasp the complexity and eclecticism.

The upper tier of the falls is viewed from a well designed viewing deck which was constructed recently with a new trail to alleviate much of the hazard of visiting this waterfall which existed previously. There is no developed route to the base of the falls and the "path" which leads there is quite sketchy, involving scaling down a nearly vertical cliff of about 15-feet in height. We do not recommend attempting to reach the bottom of the falls without having experience in off-trail scrambling (and bringing a rope might be a good idea as well).

HISTORY AND NAMES

Panther Creek Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Our thoughts

Washington State is not known to harbor many waterfalls that could be considered to be among the most photogenic in the country, but Panther Creek Falls is one of the few - and perhaps the top choice too. Unfortunately there is simply no way to view the entire waterfall collectively thanks to the shape of the canyon, but that should under no circumstances dissuade you from visiting.

Location and directions

Located near Big Lava Bed, northeast of Carson. Follow the Wind River Highway for 5.8 miles north of Carson, or 9.5 miles south of the signed turnoff for the Falls Creek trailhead, to Old State Road and turn east. Almost immediately turn left onto Panther Creek Road. Drive along Panther Creek Road for 7.4 miles to a large gravel pit on the right side of the road and park. There may or may not be a sign marking the trail to the falls on the opposite side of the road. The trail drops down from the road, winding down amid large trees to the viewpoint in less than 500 feet.

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Panther Creek Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Falls Creek Falls	4.98 mi / 7.97 km

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Photography tips

Thanks to the thick forest around the falls the sun is public enemy number one here. The falls face more or less south-southwest and while the trees provide shade for most of the day, in the afternoon hours the falls will see extremely harsh contrast, so plan your visits around the early morning or late evening hours for best light. From the viewing deck a moderately wide (less than 30mm) lens is needed to take a fully encompassing shot. From the base of either tier the restrictions aren't quite so limiting but an ultrawide lens is immensely useful at both locations.

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Panther Creek Falls Skamania County, Washington, United States