Munson Creek
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| | Raps:1-3
Red Tape: Shuttle:Optional Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 31 Aug 2014
"Only had a couple hours, so descended Sinnott, walked up Lodgepole, then exited via the knife-ridge. No info on flow on Munson; the other two were d |
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| Best season: | Jul-Sep (avg for this region)
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42.8594, -122.1529
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Introduction
A trio of short pumice canyons located around Godfrey Glen north of the Mazama Campground in Crater Lake National Park. The rock in this area is compacted pumice; beware rockfall and wear a helmet.
Approach
Drive to the parking area for the Godfrey Glen trailhead north of the Mazama Campground on the main approach road from the south entrance of Crater Lake National Park.
Descent
The recommended route is to do a descent of Munson Creek, then walk up Annie Creek to see the best bits of Sinnott and Lodgepole Canyon. (4-5hrs)
Munson Creek
From Canyoneering NW: "From the Godfrey Glen trail bear left at the intersection next to the trailhead. Hike a short distance until you can see Munson Creek. Head down the narrow canyon. This should be done only by those who are familiar with swift water canyoneering techniques. Even in late summer the current is strong. There are three small falls close together. The first two are about 7ft. You can descend them both by rappelling from a small tree on the right. You might be tempted to jump the first falls since it is small. However, the water at the bottom is shallow. The second falls might be OK to jump, but I'm not sure. The third falls is called Duwee Falls. It is shown on maps but is rarely seen. The canyon blocks all views unless you make the arduous trip in the creek itself. Rappel the 15ft waterfall into a swirling pothole. A fallen log at the lip provides an anchor.
Downstream the canyon widens, and the creek descends steeply over small boulders. Hoodoos are on both canyon walls. The ones on the left wall are especially large and are collectively known as the Colonades."
Sinnott Canyon
From the point where the Godfrey Glen trail crosses the dry creek on a small bridge, backtrack 150ft and then drop into the creekbed. Follow it down a short distance
R1: 20ft on loose compacted pumice. Beware rockfall.
Hike down the drainage to the confluence with Annie Creek. The lower end of the canyon is quite scenic. Watch for a pinnacle with a small cannon-hole in it.
Lodgepole Canyon
From Canyoneering NW: "Just before the trail starts to make a big 180 degree turn leave the trail and head right (north) to a dry creek bed. Head down to a drop-off with a large log leaning against it. A large tree on the left provides an anchor to make a 30ft rappel over loose rock. Head down the canyon and enter a narrow slot. Below the slot is the confluence with Annie Creek."
Exit
Exit is directly up an exciting knife-ridge located between Sinnott and Lodgepole Canyons. The ridge is a catwalk and drops off steeply on both sides. Not recommended for the clumsy. Return to the trailhead.
- Another possible exit with a car shuttle is via the Annie Creek trail and head up into the Mazama campground.
- Reportedly it is also possible to ascend Annie Creek or Goodbye Creek all the way up to the road.
Red tape
Crater Lake National Park entrance fee.
Beta sites
CanyoneeringNorthwest.com (archive.org) : Annie Creek - Godfrey Glen