Cougar Creek NE
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| | Raps:8-13, max ↨125ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:Required 3.5mi Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 28 Jun 2025
"No other anchors or signs of passage were found, so possible first descent. I was intrigued by NE Cougar after descending the main creek last year; it |
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| Best season: | Apr-June
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46.1175, -122.2424
46.1199, -122.2369
46.0993, -122.2132
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Introduction[edit]
The northeastern tributary of Cougar Creek (located south of Mt. St. Helens) is a canyon destination all on its own. This tributary drops into classic Cougar in the lower narrows. It has two nice technical sections separated by a long-ish creek walk. Warning: Cougar NE is a relatively high pay-to-play. Start early, and be prepared for a long day. There's a 2mi crosscountry hike out.
- Water flow increases as you descend the canyon. Flow at the end of the narrows is likely about 3-4x the place where you drop in. It's probably best to use main Cougar Creek as your benchmark for flow.
- This canyon is not visited regularly. Be prepared to rebuild anchors and adjust to new obstacles.
- Cougar NE drops into the middle of the lower narrows on classic Cougar.
Approach[edit]
From the pulloff along the road, follow an old logging grade that leads right into the creek. Walk downstream a few hundred yards to R1.
Descent[edit]
There are several downclimbs not described in the beta.
Upper Section[edit]
- R1: 25ft from log spanning the creek.
- R2: 60ft of rope from tree DCL.
- R3: 100ft of rope to descend two trees from tree DCR. Lower tier might be downclimbable, but don't slip.
- R4: 75ft from anchor on tree DCR down low-angle ramp. Slightly awkward pull. Just ahead the world ends suddenly.
- R5: 125ft from tree DCL. Carefully scramble down some steep bedrock below the big falls.
Not far below, reach a confluence with a minor tributary coming in DCL. This marks the beginning of a lengthy creekwalk, broken up by occasional rampy drops (often nuisance rappels). Expect it to take about an hour or so. Eventually, the canyon starts to narrow up with regular bedrock along the sides.
Lower Section[edit]
- 6ft slide into a pool.
- 4ft slide.
- R6: 15ft from log creek-center. Large boulder cave DCL at the bottom.
- R7: 40ft two-tier falls from tree DCL. Lower tier can be jumped carefully close to the falls. Beware large underwater boulder in the middle. (Banner photo.)
- R8: 85ft of rope (?) descending four short drops from single bolt DCL (immediately after R7 pool). Some very cool bathtub-like potholes. Beware spot at the top of the final tier that could be a foot entrapment hazard.
- R9: 20ft from tree DCL. Downclimb short second tier and swim out through deep pool.
- R10: 65ft from large rock DCL. Some interesting potholes. Drop could probably use a bolt.
Exit[edit]
The final rappel in NE Cougar drops you into the narrows on classic Cougar. You're not done yet, as there's still a giant logjam and +3 drops ahead, followed by a long hike out. This is detailed on the main page for Cougar Creek.
Red tape[edit]
- The Trail of Two Forests trailhead requires a NW Forest Pass.
- You will pass the booth for the Ape Cave parking area. If open, they will ask you if you have a reservation. Tell them you are going up the forest road to take pictures of the waterfalls on Cougar Creek. (Ape Cave is extremely popular and has timed entry permits to reduce crowding.)
- FR 8303 has a gate just past the Trail of Two Forests that is closed in winter.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
First descended by Kevin Clark and Wim Aarts in June 2025.