Originating from the Panther Rock Ridge, its source is a remote portion of the Cascade Range designated as Santiam State Forest in Butte Basin, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Gates.

The stream meanders slightly northwest through steep mountainous and heavily forested terrain for about two-thirds of its length.

It turns due west for the next two miles (3 km) and parallels South Gawley Ridge to the north and receives Rhody Creek (left, RM 31.8) which drains Rhody Lake, then Fibre Creek (left, RM 31.3) which drains Fibre Lake.

It passes over a gravel bar, then receives three small creeks in succession from the left in a fairly steep forest canyon.

For the rest of its course, the creek meanders gently in mild rolling terrain which has hills less than about 200 feet (61 m) high.