Conditions:Valkyrie Creek-20250510160005
Latest: |
9 May 2025 (10 mos ago) |
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| Reported by: | Briwellman (89 reports) | |
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| Location: | Valkyrie Creek | |
| Quality: | Great |
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| Waterflow: | Low |
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| Wetsuit: | Thin wetsuit |
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| Water temperature: | ||
| Difficulty: | Normal |
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| Time: |  6 hours
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Team: 3 people
Trip report URL:
Comments: We were surprised no one seems to run this creek—it was a great experience and felt unique compared to others in the area. The approach is big but manageable: a steady climb for about 1.75 miles before it levels off. Not terrible.
When we arrived, the gate was open, but it was closed by the time we got back to the car. We ran into some forest workers at the drop-in who gave us the classic “you’re doing what?” look.
Most of the descent involves walking along the sides of the creek, weaving through vine maples and alder. It’s not bad, though it does feel a little long in spots. The flow was low, which worked well for our first time through. I’d love to come back when it’s running a bit higher.
We replaced anchors where needed and trimmed back some branches to clear the path. Recommend creeping the rope—there are some sharp edges that could bite if you're not careful.
We ran the entire creek all the way to the lake.
Warm, sunny weather made the day even better. A farmer John was the perfect layer.
All condition reports
| Date | Quality | Waterflow | Wetsuit | Difficulty | Time | Team | Reported by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great | Low
| Thin wetsuit
| Normal | 6 hours
| 3 people | Briwellman (89 reports) | |
Comment: We were surprised no one seems to run this creek—it was a great experience and felt unique compared to others in the area. The approach is big but manageable: a steady climb for about 1.75 miles before it levels off. Not terrible.
When we arrived, the gate was open, but it was closed by the time we got back to the car. We ran into some forest workers at the drop-in who gave us the classic “you’re doing what?” look. Most of the descent involves walking along the sides of the creek, weaving through vine maples and alder. It’s not bad, though it does feel a little long in spots. The flow was low, which worked well for our first time through. I’d love to come back when it’s running a bit higher. We replaced anchors where needed and trimmed back some branches to clear the path. Recommend creeping the rope—there are some sharp edges that could bite if you're not careful. We ran the entire creek all the way to the lake. Warm, sunny weather made the day even better. A farmer John was the perfect layer.
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| Great | Moderate
| Thin wetsuit
| Normal | | 3 people | K arc (398 reports) | |
Comment: Thanks to the FD crew for scouting the way. Hiked up in the drizzle, but it soon cleared off by the time we began our descent. Quite a bit of walking along the sides of the creek, but the waterfalls are a joy to rappel. The big drop is super fun. We didn't have a shuttle, so exited after the big falls on FR 610. Yellow gate is currently open, but it would be best not to drive in as it could be closed without warning at any time.
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| Great | High
| Drysuit 
| Special challenges | | 4 people Advanced | Rernst86 (99 reports) | |
Comment: Finally saw that the dam opened up for vehicle traffic and the small burn from the Labor Day 2020 fires was accessible. Special thanks to the Detroit legend, Richard Horner for the heads up. Karl H was able to hike the way up a weekend prior so props to him for saving us some time. The creek is action packed with many cave like undercut drops that all look similar besides the big drop. This canyon can get very high in the spring so be mindful when looking at it. As a spring run, it’s a 4 because the amount of raps, the big drop, and the relatively low elevation. Not many options like it exist.
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