Panther Creek Falls is a 136-foot tiered horsetail waterfall on Panther Creek in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Skamania County, Washington, north of Carson. The creek splits at the brink before plunging into the canyon, reached by a short trail from a forest road.
The falls
The water drops in three tiers, the tallest 102 feet and the lowest 30 feet. At the top, a small share of the creek plunges straight over the cliff, while approximately 90 percent turns hard to the right along a natural trough and falls in a twisting horsetail. The two streams rejoin above the lower tiers. Springs feed the creek, so the falls run all year.
Getting there
The falls lie on Panther Creek Road (Forest Road 65), about 4.7 miles upstream of Panther Creek Campground. From Carson, drive north on the Wind River Highway for 5.8 miles, east onto Old State Road and immediately left onto Panther Creek Road, continuing 7.4 miles to a gravel pit with turnout parking opposite the trailhead. The short walk is rated easy, with about 100 feet of elevation change, and requires no pass or fee. The path drops steeply from the road and signage is minimal.
When to go
Because the creek is spring-fed, flow remains steady year-round, and the trail stays open throughout the year.
On site
After a fatal fall in 2018, the old viewing deck at the top was removed and the trail was rerouted away from the cliff edge. The formal trail now ends at a fenced viewing area at the base of the upper tier. On July 13, 2018, a 23-year-old woman slipped from a ledge and died after a fall of roughly 100 feet. Stay inside the fenced areas. Leashed dogs are allowed, and the walk is suitable for children.
Nearby
Falls Creek Falls is about 5 miles away. Dry Creek Falls is about 8 miles off and Puff Falls, also on Dry Creek, about 8.2 miles. The town of Carson lies about 9.8 miles to the south.
Distances are straight-line.