Panther Creek Falls
PANTHER CREEK FALLS
Southern Washington
Panther Creek Falls provides a wonderful multi-stream waterfall shot with vivid colors, unique rock shapes, and cascading water flows. The main waterfall actually takes a sharp turn before dropping to a pool at the base of the falls. Then an adjoining falls sends a new veil of water down the other side of the gorge.
The experience of first seeing Panther Falls after the challenging hike down to the base of the falls is breathtaking. For a photographer, this serene location offer endless compositional opportunities.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The hike to the viewing area and is only a short walk from the parking lot (200-300 yards). The hike to the base of the falls is a bit more challenging, but with caution you can get to the creek without too much difficulty.
For those that had been to Panther Creek Falls in the past know the hike down to the creek used to be a serious event. Now, there is a new maintained path down to the creek with a newly constructed viewing stand. - a welcomed additiona!! The new trail is found by walking down toward the viewing area and then veering to the left.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
1,878 ft Elevation
Photography Tips
Panther Creek Falls is such a beautiful and peaceful location. However, it can sometimes be a challenge to photograph due to the water flow and mist coming off of the falls. This location is BEST when NO sunlight is hitting any part of the scene. This means either early morning, late afternoon or on an overcast day.
There are several ways to photograph the falls - most will either shoot the cascading waterfalls on the west facing stream (shown above) or the two waterfalls coming together from both streams (which is more of the classic shot). While at the location, I would suggest both. If you shoot the west facing cascades, you can either photograph from the visitors platform (above) or platform (below).
The shot above was taken toward the end of the day after the sun had cleared the scene.
Regardless of your composition, it is best to use a longer shutter speed to create the silky water flow on the falls (this might require an ND filter).
Depending on the time of year (and time of day) you visit, you might be the only person at the falls. If so, take your time and explore all of the different compositions. Pick your favorite, print it big and hand it on your wall.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions the Panther Creek Falls trailhead/parking lot.
The closest town to Panther Creek Falls is Stevenson, WA (17.2 miles south).
From Stevenson, WA, drive approx. 3 miles east on WA-14 and take a LEFT at the turn-off toward Carson, WA (Wind River HWY). From the stop sign in Carson, travel north 4.8 miles and look for a small road called Old State Rd. (this is a small sign and is easy to miss). Take a right on Old State Rd. and travel only about 300 ft., then take a left (north) on Panther Creek Rd. / NF-65. Mark you odometer at this point.
Travel 7.2 miles on Panther Creek Rd. (which turns into NF-65). You will be traveling on a winding, narrow 2-lane paved road through thick trees with some elevation gain toward the end. At the 7.2 mile mark, you will see a moderately sized parking area on the right that holds 5-10 cars.
To confirm you are a Panther Creek Falls, walk across the paved road toward the sound of running water and you will see “PCF” spray painted in BLUE on the road just in front of a small opening through some trees / shrubs. There is also a small wooden sign that says Panther Creek Falls nailed to a tree above the opening. This is easily missed, as the sign is brown and stands high on the tree where your eye is not looking.
There are two paths to view the falls. Taking the path to the right will take you to the visitors platform at eye level with the falls. By taking the path to the left, you will walk down to the water level. Most photographers will take the path down to the stream.
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 50 mm
Exposure – 2 sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Aug 4th
Time – 6:20 PM
Best Time of Day to Shoot
The best time to shoot is early morning, late afternoon or on an overcast day.
Best Time of Year
Spring, summer and fall are all good times to shoot these magnificent falls. However, late fall would be the best as with colors in the background make the scene really pop.
Lens(es) Needed
Depending on your composition, you can use either a standard, short telephoto or extreme wide angle lens.
The shot above was taken at 50mm.
To capture both falls, the scene is narrow and tall and you will need an extremely wide angle lens (11-16mm). An alternative would be to do a vertical pano stitch with a 24mm lens or wider. A perspective control lens would also be a benefit as you are pointing up to get the top of the falls.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is north by northwest @ 330°.
Equipment Needed
You will need a tripod, a polarizer, and a neutral density (ND) filter to reduce your shutter speed to 1 second or longer to create the silky water flow on the falls.
The force of the rushing falls will produce mist, which will end up on your lens and camera. Be prepared to shield your camera / lens with an umbrella, hat, or other item. Bring a rain sleeve for your camera and lots of micro and lens cloths to wipe down your equipment.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
Depending on the time of year, you may expect between 0 and 5+ other visitors/photographers. I have been to this spot several times and most of the time I am the only one there. However, I did go one time and there was a 5-person workshop. You will know how many other people to expect by how many cars are in the small parking area. The late spring and fall are the busiest times (the road is normally closed in winter). The location is fairly small, so if there are other photographers there you will just have to wait your turn.
Weather
It rains a great deal in this part of the country. If it is raining, the trail down to the creek becomes EXTREMELY SLICK and dangerous. I would suggest bringing a 50ft. rope to tie to a tree in the steep part of the trail.
Cell Service
I have Verizon and my cell service lasted to the turnoff onto Old State Rd. from Wind River Rd. There is no cell service at all on the 7 mile drive to Panther Creek Falls.
Area Guides and Workshops
None