Panther Creek Falls: A Short Hike with Unforgettable Views

Few waterfalls on Washington's side of the Columbia River Gorge can match the beauty and accessibility of Panther Creek Falls. Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near the town of Carson, the stunning 130-foot waterfall is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in southern Washington. Despite requiring a hike of less than a mile round trip, Panther Creek Falls delivers a spectacular reward, with multiple streams cascading down lichen-covered basalt cliffs into a lush, emerald canyon below. Whether you're searching for the best waterfalls in Washington, an easy Columbia River Gorge hike, or a family-friendly adventure packed with incredible scenery, hiking to Panther Creek Falls offers one of the biggest payoffs for the shortest hikes in the Columbia River Gorge area.

Trailhead elevation 1,825'

Water none legally

Don't miss the lower viewpoint

Hiking to Panther Creek Falls

The Panther Creek Falls trailhead is located along Forest Road 65 (NF-65), approximately 12 miles north of Carson. Tucked away in the lush forests of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the trailhead features a parking area that can accommodate a dozen or more vehicles and rarely reaches capacity, even on busy weekends. Best of all, no parking pass or day-use fee is required.

From the parking area, the trail begins just across the road, where a clearly marked path quickly leads hikers into one of the most rewarding short hikes on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.

Within a few hundred feet, the trail reaches a signed junction. Turning right leads to the upper overlook, while continuing left descends to the base of Panther Creek Falls. Since the entire hike is less than a mile round trip, most visitors choose to visit both viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of one of Washington's most beautiful waterfalls.

The upper overlook is only a short walk from the junction and provides an excellent bird's-eye view of Panther Creek Falls as it tumbles over massive basalt cliffs. Looking upstream, hikers can also admire the rushing waters of Panther Creek winding through the forest.

The creek itself has an interesting history. According to local accounts, an early settler named B. Tillotson encountered a mountain lion resting on a log spanning the creek. At the time, settlers commonly referred to mountain lions as "panthers," and the name Panther Creek has endured ever since. Tollotson dubbed the stream Panther Creek and the name stuck.

After taking in the upper viewpoint, hikers can return to the junction and follow the trail downhill toward the base of the waterfall. The descent is moderately steep but well worth the effort, passing beneath towering Douglas firs and western red cedars while weaving beside moss-covered cliffs that perfectly capture the lush beauty of the Columbia River Gorge.

The lower viewpoint delivers the hike's signature view. Standing at the base of the falls, hikers can hear the thunder of rushing water, feel the cool mist drifting through the amphitheater, and fully appreciate why Panther Creek Falls is considered one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Washington.

Unlike a traditional waterfall that plunges straight over a cliff, Panther Creek Falls follows a unique course. The creek sweeps across the cliff face, makes an almost 90-degree turn, and then spills over two distinct tiers. Beside the main flow, a broad, spring-fed curtain of water pours over the surrounding moss- and lichen-covered columnar basalt cliffs, creating a spectacular multi-stream cascade that changes character throughout the year.

About 100 feet downstream, hikers can also spot the crest of another waterfall. While there is no safe or official route to reach its base, catching a glimpse of the cascade from up close adds another layer of beauty to an already incredible scene.

After enjoying the views, simply retrace your steps to the trailhead. If you're hoping to experience another incredible waterfall while you're in the area, consider pairing the hike with nearby Falls Creek Falls, located about 30 minutes away. At 335 feet tall, it is the tallest waterfall on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, making the two hikes an outstanding one-day waterfall outing.