Chinook Creek

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Chinook Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
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Chinook Creek Banner.jpg

Difficulty:3C II (v3a4 II)
Raps:‌6-7, max ↨130ft
Metric
Overall: ⟷2.3mi
Approach:10min ⟷0.7mi ↓420ft
Descent: ⟷0.4mi ↓600ft
Exit: ⟷1.2mi ↑1000ft
Red Tape:No permit required
Shuttle:None
Vehicle:Passenger
Start:
Parking:
Condition Reports:
8 Aug 2024


"Pleasant stroll through Chinook. Some bolt placements were a little odd. A number of bolts have galvanized quick links that are already rusting and sh

(log in to submit report)
Weather:
Best season:
Jun-Sept
winterspringsummerfall
DecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Regions:


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]

Another nice friendly canyon in Mt. Rainier National Park that parallels the seldom-visited East Side Trail. Chinook hosts a number of beautiful falls, culminating in a big 130ft drop. Access is surprisingly easy. A competent fast-moving team could probably run this in 3-4hrs. Chinook might be nice when combined with another short canyon in the area... possibly Panther Creek or Klickitat just down the road.

  • Chinook Creek appears to have been bolted sometime prior to 2023. Please check local regs per bolting inside Mt. Rainier National Park. Illegal bolting leads to deteriorated relations between land managers and the local canyoning community.

Approach[edit]

From the parking area, take the East Side Trail downwards about 0.5mi. Leave the trail and walk 500ft (it'd be a stretch to call it bushwhacking) into the creek just before the first drop. There is a nice area to suit up just before you drop in.

  • Checkpoint is the creek at the drop-in.

Descent[edit]

Immediately below the place where you drop in, the adventure begins.

  • 25ft low-angle drop. Downclimb DCR.
  • R1 Double anchor DCR, 40'. Anchor is tucked on the side of rock facing down canyon.
  • R2: Single anchor DCL. 40' of rope needed for the horizontal. Two short drops through a fun narrow slot. (Might be downclimbed by the sure-footed in low water.)
  • R3: 70ft. Double anchor DCR tucked on side of rock facing down canyon.
  • Two short drops maybe 10-15ft each. Downclimb the first DCR, the second DCL.
  • R4: 20ft from a single anchor DCR.

R5 and R6 compose Chinook Creek Falls. Given its magnitude, bit surprising this falls doesn't have a legit trail leading to it.

  • R5: Single anchor DCL. 40ft to a pool above the big drop.
  • R6: Double anchor DCL. 100ft to a large platform at the base of the falls.
  • R7: From the platform, rappel down two vertical tiers from pinch point under a boulder in the watercourse. 100ft of rope is needed per the horizontal distance. (Alternatively, both tiers can be downclimbed on one side or the other.)
  • 12ft drop. Careful downclimb DCR (may need partner assist) or rappel from a boulder DCL.

This ends the technical section. Be sure to look back for a great view of chinook Falls.

Exit[edit]

After the last rappel, head downstream about 200yrds. The creek degenerates here into a field of boulders, fallen logs and unstable debris. Keep going until it's easy to step out of the creek into the forest DCR. In August 2020, there were several very large cut logs lying in the creek which were a good signal that you're at the exit. Look for a faint user trail that leads up the slope all of 30 seconds to reach the official East Side Trail. Again, no bushwhacking. Follow the East Side trail right/upwards about 1mi, 900ft gain back to the trailhead and your waiting vehicles.

Red tape[edit]

None. You do not need to pay the MRNP entrance fee to access this canyon.

Beta sites[edit]

Trip reports and media[edit]

Background[edit]

This canyon was first descended on July 7 of 2017 by Luca Chiarabini and Barry Specht and Tiffanie Lin.

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).