Cabin Creek (Olympics)

Cabin Creek (Olympics) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving descenso de barrancos Barranquismo

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‌	Difficulty:‌3C1 II (v4a3 IV) Swift water Raps:‌4-7 + 4 jumps, max ↨200ft Metric Overall: 4-6h  ⟷0.9mi Approach: 20min-1h  ⟷0.2mi Descent: 3-4h  ⟷0.3mi Exit: 15-30min  ⟷0.4mi No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Optional 3mi Vehicle:High Clearance Rock type:Basalt
Start:	47.6076, -123.1312
Parking:	47.6066, -123.1279
Shuttle:	47.5995, -123.1386
Condition Reports:	6 Jun 2026 "Flow lower than we anticapated. Neat bedrock in the upper section
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

47.6076, -123.131247.6066, -123.127947.5995, -123.1386https://ropewiki.com/images/4/4a/Cabin_Creek_%28Olympics%29.kmltopo

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Reference photos

7 Aug 2025: Low. Not as fun, but should be safe even for beginners (class B/C = a3).

6 Jun 2026: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-). NF25 bridge above Cabin Creek

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 has a sporting approach then mostly short easy rappels with a number that can be bypassed with fun jumps up to 60' in height.

Unlike other nearby canyons, Cabin Creek doesn't have large snow fields in its 6mi^2 catchment so it might be in earlier then July.

CAUTION: There is little chance to escape the canyon left due to 200' cliffs along most of the route. An escape to canyon right is possible with a bushwhack to the main road.

Approach

Park at the large camp on the side of the road and descend downhill towards the open cliffs. Traverse towards the canyon keeping the large cliffs on your left until you see the weakness in the cliffs below you. A 60m meter rope can be used to rappel this section which provides a safe location to pull rope.

Approach R1 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

Use one of the cedars below to make a 200' rappel down the cliff face to the canyon floor. Next party through should bring anchor material for the trees.

Approach R2 (Photo: Tom Finley)

Descent

J1 - 15ft Jump or Dry Slide from DCC

J1 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

J2 - 20ft Jump from DCC

J2 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

S1 - 15ft low angle

R1 - 65ft from log DCC

R1 (Photo: Tom Finley)

R2 - 25ft from log in pool set back 20ft from feature. (45ft total)

R2 (Photo: Tom Finley)

R3 - 15ft from log DCC set back 25ft from feature (40ft total)

R3 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

J3 - 8ft into 4ft pool

R4 or J4 - 35ft rappel set back 15ft to boulder or meat anchor (50ft total) or 30ft jump

Jump 4 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

R5 - 60ft rappel from very large cedar DCL or boulder DCL to base or 40ft to pool and jump (J5); This could also be jumped from the ledge above the pool with a large 60+ technical jump if you had the burning desire.

R5 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

J5 - 20ft jump from rock DCC

R6 - 65ft from stump DCL

Exit

Follow the creek a short distance until the canyon opens up and make your way towards the gravel pit. There is a faint trail that comes from this area to the creek if you can find it. A road leads from the area to the locked gate.

Trip reports and media

The first known descent of Cabin Creek was made by Austin Abseils, Frank Mayfield, Paige Hanson, Sean Szymanski on August 23rd, 2023.

Incidents

Credits

Cabin Creek (Olympics)

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).