There’s no better way to kick off the spring season than with an easy, scenic hike in Washington. If you’re looking for a short and easy route, you’ve got to take the Panther Creek Falls Trail in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The trail is less than a mile long, and heads down through a forest to this extraordinary cascade.
Thomas Shahan / Flickr Panther Creek Falls is one of the most enchanting waterfalls to see out by the Columbia River Gorge. It consists of multiple tiers, with the largest dropping 102+ feet over a massive rock wall.
Thomas Shahan / Flickr The out-and-back trail is only about 0.4 mile. With hardly any elevation gain, it’s a short, pleasant walk that seems to go by in no time. It’s a perfect route for people of all ages and skill levels.
Gary Piazza / Flickr Not only is the trip easy, but it’s down a well-maintained trail through a lush, Evergreen forest. It’s also dog-friendly if you’d like to bring along a four-legged friend.
Gary Piazza / Flickr The trail leads up to a wooden platform, situated perfectly to gaze out at the falls. From there, you’ll be able to catch a picture perfect view of the main upper tier.
Gary Piazza / Flickr If you’re feeling adventuruous, there’s a rougher, steep route you can take down to the lower section of the misty falls. The best access is from a side path just off the main trail, however it’s not recommended until after the rainy season.
Gary Piazza / Flickr Panther Creek Falls is even more breathtaking in action. Here’s a great view from the platform:
For directions to the trail, read more info here. While you’re in the area, be sure to make a trip over to Falls Creek Falls as well.
Have you been to Panther Creek Falls before? Would you hike out here?
Thomas Shahan / Flickr
Panther Creek Falls is one of the most enchanting waterfalls to see out by the Columbia River Gorge. It consists of multiple tiers, with the largest dropping 102+ feet over a massive rock wall.
The out-and-back trail is only about 0.4 mile. With hardly any elevation gain, it’s a short, pleasant walk that seems to go by in no time. It’s a perfect route for people of all ages and skill levels.
Gary Piazza / Flickr
Not only is the trip easy, but it’s down a well-maintained trail through a lush, Evergreen forest. It’s also dog-friendly if you’d like to bring along a four-legged friend.
Gary Piazza / Flickr
The trail leads up to a wooden platform, situated perfectly to gaze out at the falls. From there, you’ll be able to catch a picture perfect view of the main upper tier.
If you’re feeling adventuruous, there’s a rougher, steep route you can take down to the lower section of the misty falls. The best access is from a side path just off the main trail, however it’s not recommended until after the rainy season.
Panther Creek Falls is even more breathtaking in action. Here’s a great view from the platform:
For directions to the trail, read more info here. While you’re in the area, be sure to make a trip over to Falls Creek Falls as well.
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