Panther Creek Falls Explained

Panther Creek Falls
Location:Skamania County, Washington
Coords:45.8674°N -121.8276°W
Elevation:1679feet
Height:130feet
Type:Tiered Horsetail
Height Longest:102feet
Number Drops:2
Average Flow:150cuft/s

Panther Creek Falls is a 130feet waterfall on Panther Creek in the Wind River Valley in Skamania County, Washington. The waterfall consists of two drops, with the largest at a height of 102feet.[1] The waterfall is perennial.

Trail

The waterfall and the creek which leads up to it are accessible by a trail maintained by the Forest Service. In addition to the maintained trail, a viewing deck was constructed to the right at a Y in the trail where you can see the main, horsetail portion of the waterfall. The trail continues down to the left at the Y for those who wish to see the final 30feet drop.

Structure

The waterfall is produced by Panther Creek approaching a cliff and then sharply making a turn. Some of the water rushes too quickly and falls over the side prematurely at the bend, but the majority of the water follows the creek until it reaches a natural trough which then drops off. At the dropoff, the horsetail begins the first tier of the waterfall, which drops 102feet. After this, a 30feet drop concludes the waterfall and the creek continues.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Panther Creek Falls, Skamania County, WA. 7 January 2010.