Asbestos Creek
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| | Raps:13-20, max ↨230ft
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| Condition Reports: | 19 Jun 2025
"Overall I would say that this canyon is worth doing, but not worth being a priority. We ran it because it was mid-june and most of the "good stuff" wa |
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| Best season: | Mar-May, Oct-Nov
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48.1913, -121.5757
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Waterflow
Introduction
Upper Asbestos has a signature 500' multi-pitch waterfall rappel, crack traverse, big waterfalls, and rooster tails. The canyon loses 3,100 ft in over 1 mile and the Upper Upper section has still not yet been fully descended (from the confluence around 2800' has been). In high flow asbestos should only be attempted by experienced canyoneers .
The best time to experience this canyon in high flow is during the Spring months (though the temperatures will be colder and weather more unpredictable). By late June/July, the canyon will likely be flowing at moderate flow and still provide a fun and non-stop action canyon for beginner canyoneers.
Approach
The bushwhacking for both the Upper and Lower is not very thick. If it wasn't for the moderate steepness and elevation gain, it wouldn't be unpleasant at all. Although long pants and gloves are still not a bad idea. There are however a number of rock faces that have to be bypassed. Typically right and occasionally head on. Stay near or slightly right of the crest of the ridge visible on the map just north of the canyon. Going too far left can lead to thicker vegetation and potentially cliff faces.
Approach to Lower Asbestos (R12)
(Rarely Used)
Follow the pink flagging from the road. After the first major cliff band (1730ft) turn south, leaving the flagging behind. Thread a route under the next cliff band above, and climb to roughly (1850ft) where you dry rappel 100ft to R12 anchor.
Approach to Upper Asbestos (R4)
(Standard Approach)
R4 provides a nice drop-in point at a flat canyon-side ledge. This approach offers the best pay-to-play ratio. The route to this point is flagged from the road, and the dense bush has been cut back just before reaching the drop-in.
Approach to Full Asbestos (R1)
(Rarely Used)
This was documented by the first few descent teams, however since the developement of the R4 drop-in is likely outdated. Use the following with caution:
Bushwhack up the mountain side (on the north side) to about 2800 ft near the confluence visible on the map. Downclimb to near the low point of a piece of cliff jutting out at about 48.1929, -121.5872 just above the confluence of the Upper Upper fork and a possibly dry fork (the obvious confluence on the map).
There are at least two options for entry (no webbing currently installed for either):
- 1. Find a tree on the right side and rappel 200' down the side of the dry fork to the bottom and the confluence.
- 2. Veer more left to a large tree. Rap once about 70' to a smaller tree on the edge and then rap again at about 100-150' (guesstimate) to the confluence.
Descent
Upper Asbestos (from 2800' to 1800' at the bottom of 500' multi-pitch sequence):
3 short drops at top:
- R1: 40' log (or fairly easy DC)
- R2: 50' 2 stage rock pinch. Or wide Utah style DC then DC a slightly slick V.
- R3 60' or difficult for most DC L and spider walk down
DC 12' R or tiny ledges L
Bypass a 60' cascade L (limited anchor material, should be bolted)
[Good drop-in point here, as marked on the topo].
DC 20' cascade R or rap
- R4 150' 3 stage from webbing in good pinch back DCL. Can DC middle stages or use DCL bolts to protect last drops.
- R5 100' from bolt DCL down long steep chute. This rappel is the most dangerous rappel in this sequence and is also known as 'The Ass Cramper.' It is possible to stem this rappel in high flow - avoid rappelling directly in the watercourse/avoid getting your foot stuck. The force at the bottom of the waterfall can be very strong - disconnect from the rope before entering the pool.
DC 35' on slabs L of falls or rap
- R6 150' 4 stage from log, pinch, or deadman. Note that there are pinch points for rope pull at the top of this rap. Pull could be a major issue here as the 2nd stage also wraps around a big rock formation with cracks down low. However, at least at lower flow the last 3 stages can be upclimbed/downclimbed by the skilled (2nd stage L beside a big fanned falls). A bolt may be appropriate here.
The next rappels described are the multi-pitch 500' waterfall (R7-10).
- R7 30' from webbing-wrapped boulder in the center of the watercourse to bolt behind shrub with space for one person.
- R8 200' from single bolt DCR behind shrub. Rap down to a DCR ledge which can accommodate 3 people.
- R9 85' from pair of bolts DCR on ledge. Be careful to manage loose or sharp rocks on this rap. As the falls steepen you pass over a lip, and approach two options (see diagram). A single (zinc) bolt is installed further out DCR in a drier area. Whereas a pair of bolts are installed a little lower but closer to the flow. Both are hanging stances.
- R10 150' from bolts DCR. From either bolt station option, straight down to the pool below.
It is possible to escape the canyon DCR and bushwhack downhill back to the cars after the 500' drop.
Lower Asbestos:
- R11 DC 25' down a smooth wall R (be mindful of the moss) or find a tree up R
- R12 100' bolts DCR down a low angle falls
- R13 100' bolts out DCL on the face across the flow. These are very precariously placed bolts, especially at higher flows as crossing the flow is necessary to reach the anchor. Staying on rappel or getting a handline is recommended.
- R14 20' from single bolt on DCR boulder.
- R15 120' bolts DCL, in the flow.
- R16 Bolts DCR, either:
- 170' as a 2 stage rappel with a big hanging pothole in the middle.
- or 90' to single bolt DCR on lip of pothole, then 70' to bottom.
Follow the creek, walking down DCL stepy slabs. Set back from the next drop is...
- R17 100' from single bolt DCL (or from tree further above).
Bypass next 30' drop easily on DCL, or enjoy the nice little cascade.
- R18 20' from a smallish tree at the top L or find something more sturdy. Repeated rappels here may weaken the stability of this tree.
Exit
From R18, 30 seconds down canyon to the road, parking, and beers.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
- Lower Asbestos video (drop in ~1800') taken on April, 22, 2016 by Yana Radenska
- July 14, 2017 - retrieval mission / drop in at 3,200 ft
Background
Lower Asbestos Creek (drop-in at 1800') was first descended by Yana Radenska, Josh Warren, Sarah Kulfan on April 22, 2016.
The section between 2800' and 1800' feet was descended on June 18, 2016 by Luca Chiarabini, Tommy Kelly, Steve Abercrombie, Jake Huddleston, Sid Crutz, Chrissy Richards, Laura Jean Mitchell, and Tiffanie Lin.