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On the Trail
This is one of the most impressive and complex waterfalls in and around the Gorge. The hike is less than 0.4 mile, with 200 feet of gain, and makes a good complement to a hike at nearby Falls Creek Falls or on the Whistle Punk Trail.
Permits & Pets
The falls are within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. No permits are required. Dogs may be off leash.
Trail Notes
- From the road, Trail 137 winds steeply downhill amid large trees to a platform for viewing the falls. Where Panther Creek plunges over the cliff here, most of its flow is channeled into a deep groove that steers the water into a two-tier plunge, while a portion of the creek avoids the crevasse and drops directly into the pool.
- Across from the viewing platform and separate from the falls are springs that spill 100 feet down a mossy face into the same plunge pool. Just downstream, a 30-foot drop completes the cascade.
- Return to the road via the same trail.
- Please always stay on the trail and clean your boots before and after you hike. Hikers and their dogs are common vectors for spreading invasive seeds.
- There are no restrooms at the trailhead.
Other Hikes at or Near This Trailhead
Directions & Travel Tips
From SR 14 at the Bridge of the Gods (tolls are required on the bridge), drive 5.9 miles east on SR 14 to Wind River Road. Drive uphill to Carson. At its four-way stop at Hot Springs Avenue, continue straight for 4.7 miles, then turn right at the second “Old State Road” intersection and immediately left on Panther Creek Road/FR 65. Drive 7.3 miles to a large gravel/dirt pullout on the right side, adjacent to a rock pit. It’s easy to miss this turnout, so we recommend you set your odometer. The unsigned trail begins across the road, about 80 yards back. There are no restrooms at the trailhead.