Sat, Jul 9 2016 - Panther Creek Trail & Falls (Hike and Swim) (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Aaron, Lisa Participants: Lisa, Aaron, Ken, Norman Pollard, Chuck R, Ed, Ann, Jim, Sharmily, Kaitlin Marie, Laura X

We eleven shared a long, action-packed day at Panther Creek Falls. After gathering at the trailhead, we set off along the winding path toward the Falls. We followed Panther Creek through the woods and up and down some hilly climbs before enjoying a mile or so of level, sandy trails. We admired bright green ferns and blooming rhododendrons along the flat bottomland before hoisting ourselves up through a small crack in the rock up 30 feet to the top of the mountain. Then, rappelling down the boulders, we reached the beach at the Falls, dropped our packs and enjoyed a break.

Then on to the more challenging part of the day. Clinging to the side of the mountain, we held onto the steel cables and carefully watched our footing along narrow ledges peppered with gnarly roots just waiting to trip us up. Then up, up, up, over the mountain and back down before some unplanned bushwhacking just before the end of the line at Davidson Creek (and our halfway point). Another short snack and rest break, and then back along the treacherous path to the welcome sight of the Falls. 

After a quick swim and filtering some water from the creek, we headed back up the boulders and along the ecologically diverse trail back to the cars. Most of us stopped at a great local pizza joint, Ma-Ma Dar's, to devour hand-tossed pies before heading home.