Panther Creek in Sequoia National Park

Panther Creek

Already hiked to Marble Falls and Tokopah Falls and looking for another cascade to visit in Sequoia National Park? Consider Panther Creek. The waters of Panther Creek fall one hundred feet down a canyon wall to join the Kaweah River below. The Middle Fork Trail passes right above the falls, providing a view straight down the waterfall. Unfortunately, a head on look at the falls cannot be obtained, but the trail is plenty scenic to justify the 6-mile hike (as long as it's not too hot out).

Check out these photos from the trail

The Middle Fork Trailhead is the foothills gateway to the Sierras. From here, hikers can set out to Redwood Meadow and the High Sierra Trail that runs all the way to Mt. Whitney. A wilderness permit is required for those overnight treks, but for day hikers, Panther Creek is three miles away and there are no junctions along this trail to be concerned with.

This single track heads east, weaving along the side of the valley hundreds of feet above the Kaweah River. The foothills vegetation is lush with Chaparral and spring wildflowers. There is little shade along the trail and on a hot day it can be quite exhausting. For this reason, it is probably better to try one of the higher elevation hikes on a summer scorcher.

From the parking lot, the trail immediately descends to Moro Creek, the first of a few creek crossings. Moro Creek requires the trickiest rock hopping. The rest are quite easy to cross.

The first mile presents nice views up at Moro Rock, the granite dome that rise out of the canyon 3,000 feet above. Further on, the views north toward Moro Rock are replaced with even better views south across the canyon at the picturesque pinnacles of Castle Rocks. On occasion, the trail even offers glimpses further up the canyon toward the snow capped High Sierras.

Castle Rocks

There are a few switchbacks along the dusty trail, but for the most part the track follows the slope of the canyon on a gradual course as it weaves toward Panther Creek. When you start to wonder, "how much further is this creek,” you will enter a wooded area where the trail traverses of a long steep bluff. The canyon dropping drastically to the right is a sign that the dramatic confluence is close ahead.

The trail descends to a narrow pool that lies above the falls. From there the water pours down a narrow shoot to the powerful river below. Relax along the creek or slip into the cool waters for a dip. The large granite slabs on both sides of the creek offer views of the falls and the river below. On the opposite side of the creek there is a small wilderness campsite with a fire ring and room for a tent or two. From here the trail continues, crossing Mehrten Creek and Buck Creek en route to Bearclaw Meadow. If are not going further, the trail back is the same as the trail in (just backwards).

The hike starts at 3,300 feet and ends at 3,900 which means it could be unbearably hot in the summer, but quite pleasant in the winter or spring.

A view heading back along the Middle Fork Trail

To get to the trailhead: From Hospital Rock which is 6 miles east of the Ash Mountain park entrance, turn off the Generals Highway on the narrow road toward Buckeye Flats Campground. After half a mile, the road turns downhill to the campground. Continue straight 1.3 miles on a well maintained dirt road to the Middle Fork Trailhead. This road closes in winter, requiring extra millage for those venturing the trail from Hospital Rock. Check with a park ranger for winter road conditions.

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	You might also enjoy:
	Marble Falls This 8-mile round-trip trail climbs Deep Canyon away from Potwisha Campground to a thundering waterfall. This is a perfect spring hike.
	Tokopah Falls This 1,200-foot waterfall is the tallest in Sequoia National Park. The 3.4-mile round-trip hike to its base is gradual and scenic, and starts from Lodgepole Campground.
	Moro Rock This 0.6-mile round-trip hike climbs a stone staircase to panoramic views. Consider this a mandatory hike if you are a first time visitor.
	Hikes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains This list explores the great Sequoias, peaks, waterfalls, lakes, and streams of the Sierra Nevadas.