Panther Creek Falls, Panther Creek Falls Trailhead, Portland - Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Panther Creek Falls - .1 miles
Panther Creek Falls Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | .1 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 1,814' - 1,730' (1,730' @ viewing platform) |
| Elevation Change: | 84' net elevation loss (+92' total roundtrip elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Panther Creek Falls - .1 Miles Round-Trip
Panther Creek Falls is among the most interesting and visually striking falls in the Columbia River Gorge, with several twisting and overlapping braids that drop 136' in three stages. A short path drops from the parking lot on Panther Creek Road to a newly built viewing platform with a commanding look over the multi-faceted upper tier.
Social trails lead upstream from the falls' precipice along highly kinetic cascades, which are compelling in their own right and a delight for photographers. Large cedar and fir line this attractive corridor.
A precarious scrambling route leads down to the base of the main tier. Ropes assist with the most vertical and precarious sections of this descent, but their maintenance and security cannot be guaranteed. Only experienced and capable hikers / climbers should attempt reaching the base.
Use extreme caution when exploring the creek above the precipice. The water is swift, and rocks lining the bank are very slick.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N45 52.032 W121 49.631 — 0.0 miles : Panther Creek Falls Trailhead
- N45 52.027 W121 49.736 — .05 miles : Panther Creek Falls viewing platform
Worth Noting
- *Waterfall heights and segment lengths for Panther Creek Falls were cited from Waterfallsnorthwest.com.
Camping and Backpacking Information
There is no backcountry camping along this trail.
Backcountry Camping in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. No fee or permit is required.
- Camping is prohibited within 100' of any trail, lake or stream.
- Campfires are permitted in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with potential seasonal and location-specific restrictions. These will be posted at the trailhead and/or along the trail.
- Use established campsites whenever possible to minimize impact and erosion. Avoid camping in fragile meadows.
- Bury human waste 6-8" deep, at least 100' from any trail or water source
- Location limit is 14 days. After 14 days you are required to move at least 5 miles away.
- Group size is limited to 15 individuals (or 25 with people + stock).
- Contact the Mount Adams Ranger District (509.395.3402) for the latest weather, trail conditions and trail-specific guidelines when planning your trip.
Rules and Regulations
- No pass or fee is required to access the Panther Creek Falls Trail.
Directions to Trailhead
Directions to Panther Creek Falls
From Bridge of the Gods, travel east on Highway 14 for 5.8 miles to Wind River Road / Highway 30. There's a blinking yellow light at this turn.
Turn left (north) on Wind River Road and travel 5.7 miles to Old Stage Road and turn right, then immediately left onto Panther Creek Road.
Drive 7.35 miles on Panther Creek Road to a large turnout parking lot on the right (east) side. The lot may not be marked for Panther Creek Falls, but the location is obvious.
From the parking lot, walk back on the road about 60' to find the trail on the west side of the road. The trail is not well marked but is also fairly obvious. Walk .05 miles down to the viewing platform.
Panther Creek Road / NF 65 is a graded dirt road suitable for most 2WD cars in good condition. High clearance is always advisable on forest service roads. Drive carefully on narrow, winding sections. Watch speed limits through developed areas.
Contact Information
Gifford Pinchot National Forest | Mount Adams Ranger District
2455 HWY 141
Trout Lake, WA 98650
509.395.3400
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
902 Wasco Ave | Suite 200
Hood River, OR 97031
541.308.1700
Gifford Pinchot National Forest | Headquarters
1501 E. Evergreen Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661
360.891.5000
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