Darwin Falls, near Panamint Springs on the western edge of Death Valley National Park, is the park’s highest waterfall, with upper and lower tiers totaling about 80 feet. Set in a narrow canyon of dramatic plutonic rock, it is part of Darwin Creek, one of only four perennial streams in the park. Fed through Darwin Wash from the Darwin Bench, this steady water creates a rare riparian corridor in the desert, with fern-lined gullies and wildlife habitat. The falls were named for local rancher, miner, and explorer Darwin French, whose name also appears on nearby places. Public access now requires a longer hike after 2023 flood damage closed Old Toll Road to vehicles.