Big Creek (Olympic Peninsula)

Big Creek (Olympic Peninsula) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: Big Creek Narrows.

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‌	Difficulty:‌3C I (v2a4 I) Swift water Raps:‌0-1, max ↨20ft Metric Overall: 1-2h  ⟷0.7mi No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Optional 2 min Vehicle:Passenger
Location:	47.3730, -123.6361
Condition Reports:	18 Jun 2023 "The log jam has shifted a bit and the rappel is now optional. There is a rock shelf DCR you can step down to and down climb into the creek, or a deep
Weather:
Best season:	Jul-Sept winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America Pacific Northwest  United States Washington Olympic Peninsula

https://web.archive.org/web/20210527212206/www.canyoneeringnorthwest.com/BigCreekNarrows/Big_Creek_Narrows.php

47.3730, -123.6361https://ropewiki.com/images/3/34/Big_Creek_%28Olympic_Peninsula%29.kmltopo

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Reference photos

4 Oct 2020: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-). Upstream of the narrows.

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

A nice short narrows on Big Creek (Wynoochee Valley) located just above FR 22. While not a major destination in its own right, it's worth a visit if you're in the area and have a little time to spare. Can be run an hour (or less if you have a shuttle).

• A wetsuit is recommended. Have your flotation dialed.

• The checkpoint is Big Creek from the bridge. Or just above the narrows.

• The Big Creek Narrows is easily combined with other destinations in the Wynoochee Valley. It's possible to visit 2-3 of them in a single day.

• While the original beta described this as a non-technical descent, a large logjam requiring a rappel has appeared near the top of the narrows. For the first descent in a given year, it may be wise to bring a short rope and harness. Logs washed downstream can get jammed in constrictions. More debris fills in behind them to create a natural dam. Sometimes, they can get quite large. Technical gear provides options should you need them.

Approach

Follow FR 22 to the bridge where it crosses Big Creek. This is a good place to check the flow. The creek is not impressive from the bridge. Leave a car here and shuttle (or hike) east 0.2mi, then left on FR 2294. Follow for about 0.5mi when you can see the creek down through the trees on the left. Park along the side of the road. There was a wide shoulder as of 2020 with plenty of room for parking. Suit up on at the road and bushwhack down wherever is easiest and drop into Big Creek.

• There are a couple of campsites right at the bridge over Big Creek.

• The original beta described following FR 2294 to the next bridge over Big Creek and descending from there. This will add +0.7mi of river walking with no additional narrows. Not recommended.

Descent

Head downstream about 5min. At first it is not very impressive. The creek then abruptly swings left and the scenery changes dramatically. Enter the narrows. In several places fallen logs span the narrows overhead dripping with ferns and other epiphytes. Be aware the current can be strong in places.

• R1: 10ft. As of 2020 a giant logjam has appeared inside the narrows. Bring a short rope to rappel down to the bottom. Might be possible to downclimb and pass underneath the logjam, but might not be recommended if the flow is high.

Pass through a beautiful narrows below the logjam. Sadly, the narrows is short and sweet. The creek passes through an interesting area of bedrock channels, then opens out again. An old water gauge station DCL is a sign you're getting close to the bridge.

Exit

You can exit DCL up to the campsite, or, if occupied, continue to the bridge and exit DCL up to the road.

Red tape

None.

Beta sites

• CanyoneeringNorthwest.com (archive.org)  : Big Creek Narrows