Waterfalls are a staple for outdoor explorers when traveling around the Columbia River Gorge. The area is dotted with some of the prettiest in the whole country, but most of the popular ones are located in Oregon. Panther Creek Falls is one of the more underlooked waterfalls that is located on the Washington side of the Columbia River.

Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this 130-foot waterfall features two drops and is accessible via a short 0.3 out and back hike that forks, one path to a viewpoint perfect for families, and a slightly more treacherous but not much longer path for hikers who want to get up close to the base of the falls. The trailhead is marked by an arrowed sign, but the gravel parking lot is a bit hard to find. If traveling from Carson, head north on Wind River Highway for about 4 miles, then turn right on Forest Road 65 toward Panther Creek campground and follow Forest Road 65 for about 8 miles until you arrive at the gravel turnout. Regardless of the time of year, these falls are a magnificent sight, and will surely be a highlight of your trip to the region.