Cabin Creek

Cabin Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.3 (31 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C I (v3a4 I) Swift water Raps:‌3-4, max ↨150ft Metric Overall: 2-3h  ⟷1.1mi Approach:  ⟷0.6mi  ↑350ft Descent:  ⟷0.2mi  ↓430ft Exit:  ⟷0.3mi  ↑20ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Start:	45.6866, -121.6963
Parking:	45.6882, -121.6904
Condition Reports:	27 May 2025 "Super lushy, very beautiful, fun rappels, no issue with the rope, starvation cut off trail still closed
Weather:
Best season:	Apr-Jun winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America Pacific Northwest  United States Oregon Washington Columbia River Gorge  Oregon Side

https://web.archive.org/web/20210527212206/www.canyoneeringnorthwest.com/StarvationCreek/Starvation_Creek.php,http://ropewiki.com/User:Super_Amazing_Map?id=Cabin_Creek_-_Oregon

45.6866, -121.696345.6882, -121.6904https://ropewiki.com/images/d/d8/Cabin_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

22 Sep 2019: Very Low. Water flow should not represent any danger (class B = a2). Flow on R3

22 Dec 2023: Low. Not as fun, but should be safe even for beginners (class B/C = a3).

26 Jan 2025: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-).

21 May 2017: Moderate. Challenging but not dangerous for intermediate canyoneers (class C1 = a4).

10 Feb 2024: 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

Cabin Creek is a very short, fun creek that can be run in the spring. Evaluate the flow carefully before entry. Cabin could be very dangerous in high water conditions.

• The checkpoint the view of the final falls (R3) on the Historic Columbia River Highway (now bike trail).
• Water catchment: 0.5mi^2.

Be aware: historically, the final rappel on Cabin Creek had a reputation for sticking ropes. A new anchor was added in December 2023, which, we believe, should alleviate these pull problems. If you do get a rope stuck, please let folks know on the Pacific NW Canyoning Facebook group, so we can get someone in there to remove it. This waterfall is a popular location, and it's not good to be leaving ropes hanging down the falls. Best solution, if you stick the rope, go back and get it. This is a great way to practice your ascending skills.

Cabin Creek can be combined with other creeks in the immediate area for a longer canyon day.

Approach

Park at the Starvation Creek trailhead and hike west along the Starvation Ridge trail for 0.25mi. When you reach Cabin Falls, check that the flow is reasonable for everyone on your team. Retrace your steps a short distance and follow the Starvation Creek Cutoff trail upwards for about 0.5mi. Shortly after rounding the nose of the ridge, drop down gentle slopes to the top of R1. Beware poison oak.

• If the Starvation Cutoff trail is closed, the approach is longer. Head west on the bike path for 0.3mi and turn off right to Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. Cross the bridge and follow the trail upwards 0.2mi to a trail junction. Turn left here on the Starvation Ridge Trail and follow it back east 0.8mi to Cabin Creek.

• There is one more 15ft waterfall (R0) about 100 yards upstream of R1. Not recommended. The upper Cabin drainage is overgrown and full of woody debris.

Descent

• R1: 35ft. Anchor on a log DCR. Someone please move the anchor to the DCL side. This will require a small folding saw to clean up the area around the small tree anchor area.

Ahead is Cabin Falls (R2 & R3): a two-tier falls about 250ft. Historically, this was run as a single rappel, but it's better to break it into two stages.

• R2: 105ft into shallow hanging pool about 20ft long. Anchor off a tree DCL at the top. A doubled 200ft rope will NOT reach the bottom.
• R3: 150ft to the bottom of Cabin Falls from a two bolt anchor DCL. It is may be difficult to hear whistle signals on this drop over the noise of the water, traffic, and occasional passing trains. You may have to move back to the bike trail to be seen.

• • Historically, a number of teams have stuck and/or core shot their ropes on R3. The new anchor as of 2023 should help alleviate these problems. Rope damage may have been caused by a sharp edge just adjacent to a tree DCR about halfway down the pitch. Stay DCL to avoid it. Creeping/slipping the rope may be recommended.

• • There may be some rockfall hazard. It's prudent to move out of the landing zone and stay well away from the base of the pitch.

Exit

Follow the bike trail back to the Starvation Creek parking lot.

Red tape

The falls is fairly popular, so it's best to keep a low profile, make a good impression, and don't overstay your welcome.

Beta sites

• CanyoneeringNorthwest.com (archive.org) : Starvation Creek Area
• Super Amazing Map : Cabin Creek

Credits

Cabin Creek

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).