Big Alder Creek

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Big Alder Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
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Big Alder Creek Banner.jpg

‌
Difficulty:‌3C I (v3a4 I)
Raps:‌3-4, max ↨70ft
Metric
Overall:2-3h ⟷0.6mi
Descent: ⟷0.2mi
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Vehicle:Passenger
Location:
Condition Reports:
12 Jan 2025

"We did this canyon in the summer and it wasn’t tons of fun. We came back in the winter and it’s much more fun in the winter. Perfect training grou

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Weather:
Best season:
Apr-July, BEST in May-June
winterspringsummerfall
DecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Regions:
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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[edit]

A nice short creek just across from Green Peter Dam with a handful of rappels in short succession. May not be a great destination on its own, but perhaps combined with other creeks in the area (ex: Panther Creek or South Santiam River Gorge) for a full day of canyoning. Likely becomes beginner-friendly in May-June. Creek is only running a trickle by July. Don't bother in late summer.

Approach[edit]

Follow Hwy 20 east from Sweet Home and turn off left on Quartzville Rd. Follow for ~5mi to large parking area at Green Peter Dam.

From the parking area at Green Peter Dam, hike back down the road towards Hwy 20 for perhaps 100 yards. Look to your right to note the overgrown remnants of an old logging track leading up the hill. Cross the road and thrash up onto the old track. It's overgrown with vines at first but follow the track upwards wherever is easiest. With all the fallen logs and brush eventually it's easier just to go cross-country. Ascend slopes, then drop into the creek at about 1250ft elevation.

  • It might be easier to walk (or super lazy shuttle) further up Quartzville 0.2mi and take the first left. (?) Follow the side road up a short distance, then go the way on foot. This route has not been explored.
  • There may be a couple more falls further upstream. (?)

Descent[edit]

  • R1: 15ft from bolts DCR, significant horizontal distance, then 5ft. Requires about 100ft of rope (SRT). The bolts replace a sling DCL that has a history of getting caught on the pull.
  • R2: 5ft from a bolt DCR into a small pool.
  • R3: 10ft from a single bolt on a mossed over boulder DCR.

Big Alder Falls (R4 + R5). It might be possible to chain both rappels from the R4 anchor.

  • R4: 15ft from a tree DCR.
  • R5: 10 ft slide single bolt DCL.
  • R6: 45ft from a two bolts with rap rings DCR. Need about 75ft of rope (SRT) to get down per the horizontal distance if you link R4-R6.

Below, pass through a short narrows and while sliding is tempting, downclimb a chute at the bottom. You can also bush wack DCR to avoid the narrows if you desire.

Exit[edit]

At the bottom of the falls, exit DCR to the road and walk to your car.

Red tape[edit]

None.

Beta sites[edit]

Trip reports and media[edit]

Background[edit]

Credits

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).

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