Archer Creek (Columbia River Gorge)

Archer Creek (Columbia River Gorge) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.3 (24 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C I (v3a4 I) Swift water Raps:‌4, max ↨60ft Metric Overall: 1-2h Approach:  ⟷0.5mi  ↑360ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Basalt
Start:	45.6073, -122.1116
Parking:	45.6006, -122.1117
Condition Reports:	3 Feb 2026 "Ran 2 laps on the creek. DCL side on R4 was fun in current flow. This higher flow option could use its own bolt station but it’s not necessary as l
Weather:
Best season:	Apr-Jun winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Pacific Northwest  Oregon Washington Columbia River Gorge  Washington Side

https://youtu.be/NRclRkhcCDM

45.6073, -122.111645.6006, -122.1117https://ropewiki.com/images/0/05/Archer_Creek_%28Columbia_River_Gorge%29.kmltopo

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Reference photos

29 Aug 2023: Very Low. Water flow should not represent any danger (class B = a2).

1 Dec 2019: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-).

15 Jun 2021: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-).

26 Nov 2021: Moderate. Challenging but not dangerous for intermediate canyoneers (class C1 = a4).

These reference pictures are used in the Waterflow analysis to predict current conditions. More reference pictures will produce a more reliable prediction.

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Welcome! Canyons in the Pacific Northwest can be different from those you might be used to. Be ready for unlinked bolts, retrievable traverse lines, and challenging aquatic environments. For more on local practices, and the best way to get started in the region, check out the WCC Safety page. Unlinked Bolts - groups should be comfortable rigging unlinked bolts, either temporarily linking them for all but the last person, or using a passive redundancy method. Most importantly, if you find two bolts side by side that are unlinked, do not add webbing to them. Linking bolts designed to be unlinked will likely cause damage during seasonal floods. Traverse Lines - many canyons are rigged to allow traverse line access to an exposed anchor station. This should be done using self-belay or team belay techniques. Do not leave fixed lines in the canyons. Challenging Environments - the highly aquatic nature of PNW canyons can surprise many. Cold temperatures, slippery rocks, loud waterfalls, and strong currents all lead to unexpected problems. Do not underestimate the need for strong team work and technical proficiency. Belays are frequently not possible. Unattended gear will sink or float away. Sliding and jumping is the cause of most major injuries, so it's critical to effectively communicating water depth & submerged hazards.

Introduction

Another short, close-in creek in the Columbia Gorge at has a neat mini-narrows and a couple of shallow hanging pools. The creek takes a few hours to run and could be combined with other short creeks in the area. Makes for a nice quick after-work adventure in the summer when the days are long.

• Watershed: 1.25mi^2.

Approach

Park at the St. Cloud Day Use Area just off Hwy 14 near milepost 30. There are restrooms at the trailhead. A NW Forest Pass is required.

From the parking area, walk back to the entrance and cross Hwy 14. Pick up the obvious trail on the far side. Cross Gable Creek, then follow the trail to Archer Creek. The trail switchbacks up and, after about 10min of hiking, reaches a junction with a view of R4. This is the checkpoint.

If the flow looks good, continue on up the trail through several switchbacks to the rim. Ignore the first faint path going left (dead end) and take the second. Follow it down into a stand of large Douglas Fir trees just above the creek. Just downstream, behind a car-sized boulder, is R1.

Descent

• R1: Middle Archer Falls - 20ft from single bolt DCL. Use caution as there's a hole under the water near the top that might be a foot entrapment hazard.

Below the falls, thrash downstream 5min through the jungle. Creek can be slippery.

Lower Archer Falls (R2 - R4). Rappelling R2 commits you to the rest of the descent.

• R2: 20ft from a large log in the DCL chute.

• R3: 15ft from single bolt DCL. Beware ropes getting caught on the log leaning against the falls. (Would be great to get it out of there.)

• R4: 60ft from bolt station DCR. The DCL side of the falls has more flow, but there are currently logs in the drop which could be problematic for rappellers. There's also one potential entrapment hazard close to the bottom near the center. Other hazards:

• • One of the bolts has an obvious crack radiating from the installation. Inspect the anchor thoroughly.
  • Beware loose rock on this falls. Tread lightly. Anyone at the bottom should stay well back and out of the line of fire.

Exit

At the bottom of the falls, there's easy exit up DCL to the trail. Return the way you came.

Red tape

A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Note that this creek is entirely on National Forest land and is NOT part of the Columbia Falls Natural Area Preserve (NAP).

• For more information, see Columbia Falls Natural Area Preserve. The webpage mentions basalt cliffs and steep talus slopes. This appears to be a reference to Archer Valley, the large valley about 1mi upstream, which is home to several endangered plant and animal species. According to the website, this area is closed to visitors.

Trip reports and media

• 2025 trip - https://youtu.be/NRclRkhcCDM

Background

Lower Archer was first descended by Kevin Clark, Wade Hewitt, and Andy Sorenson in December 2019.

Incidents

Credits

Archer Creek (Columbia River Gorge)

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). Main photo by (unknown). Authors are listed in chronological order.

In all habitats live animals and plants that deserve respect, please minimize impact on the environment and observe the local ethics. Canyoneering, Canyoning, Caving and other activities described in this site are inherently dangerous. Reliance on the information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. There is no warranty as to accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the information provided on this site. The site administrators and all the contributing authors expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss or injury caused, in whole or in part, by its actions, omissions, or negligence in procuring, compiling or providing information through this site, including without limitation, liability with respect to any use of the information contained herein. If you notice any omission or mistakes, please contribute your knowledge (more information).