Panther Creek Falls and Coffee

This place is truly phenomenal, like a Tolkien fever dream. The Northwest Waterfall Survey describes it thus:

Visually Panther Creek Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in all of the United States. Found where Panther Creek plunges over a pair of steps in its valley, the creek begins by rushing towards the upper cliff, with a small portion of the creek splitting off from the main flow and plunging directly over the edge.

The remaining 90 percent of the stream makes a hard right turn and follows a natural trough along the top of the cliff, contouring around the top of the horseshoe-shaped basin until reaching the far side, then plunging in a twisting fall for 69 feet to the bottom of the first step.

Immediately adjacent to the main stream a large spring sends a broad veil of water sheeting 102 feet down the side of the canyon. After the collective waters of these streams merge, they plunge over the second tier in three distinct channels, falling 30 feet into a pool, with a broad 4-foot ledge immediately below to culminate the formation.

Without visual aids to illustrate the scene it's quite complicated to imagine and grasp the complexity and eclecticism.

We'll meet at the Panther Creek Falls parking area and slowly walk the 1.0 mile total roundtrip out-and-back forest trail that covers an upper viewing area and then some steep switchbacks to the base of the falls. There may be blowdowns and slick rocks/roots, so trekking poles recommended.

I've spotted Calypso Orchids poking up from the moss like little pink dragons and heard the ethereal song of Swainson's Thrush in the trees. The drive up can reveal bald eagles and ospreys along the Columbia River and elk, turkey, and deer along Wind River Highway.

We'll linger for a while at both viewing spots to really absorb the place, so you'll have time to set up your photography gear for stills and video, just know that audio may be compromised by passing groups of hikers.

Afterwards, we'll reconvene in Carson, WA, at Crosscut Espresso and Deli (1252 Wind River Hwy, Corner Cloverdale Ave., Carson, WA 98610-3257) for java and lunch. They serve up local Columbia River Roaster beans and a variety of sandwiches. We'll sit outside in the nice weather if we can snag one of their picnic tables.

***Cell phone reception is sketchy where we're going, so screen shot this page and your map directions.

Bring $10 cash, +$6 for bridge tolls cash/credit, water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, and WEATHER appropriate clothing. No restroom on site, but lots of cover, if you know what I mean. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.