Cynthia Creek
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| | Raps:1-2, max ↨50ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 18 Nov 2023
"Youtube vid added on the main page Interesting small slot canyon, with one 50ft rappel in the flow, you could rappel this 3 different ways, fro |
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| Best season: | Apr-Jun
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45.6344, -122.1068
45.6361, -122.0856
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Introduction[edit]
A single waterfall plunging into a short slot canyon located north of Archer Mountain. There are not too many slots like this in the Columbia Gorge. Be aware: approach & exit time will likely take longer than time spent in the canyon. A high pay-to-play.
Approach[edit]
Backtrack along Duncan Creek Rd and turn off right onto a gated powerline track. Follow the track west about ~1mi, 650ft gain to about 1600ft elevation where Cynthia Creek passes under the road through a culvert. Look for a sign on a tree with a short trail leading to the top of the falls.
Descent[edit]
- R1: 50ft from a tree. Beware several old hoses hanging down over the falls that may complicate rope deployment. These hoses either lead to a private home, or, more likely, a defunct pot-grow somewhere downstream. It'd be great to get these removed.
At the bottom it's possible to exit immediately up a steep dirty chute, or pass through the bottom of the waterfall and exit up DCR onto a ledge to walk off.
- R2: Two tier with a pool between: 6ft, 6ft. Or bypass DCR.
Exit[edit]
Exit the creek DCR below the falls and up a steep slope into the woods. Thrash back over to the powerline track. Return the way you came.
Red tape[edit]
Cynthia Creek lies inside the Columbia Falls Natural Area Preserve (NAP) which is managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In theory, NAP areas are as close to wilderness as it gets. Historically, however, this area has been open to access. The falls lies just adjacent to a powerline access track, and was used as a water collection system back in the day (ref: the network of hoses hanging down the falls). The area around the waterfall was also extensively logged back in the day.
- Hikers and waterfall photographers probably visit this area far more than canyoneers.
- For more information, see Columbia Falls Natural Area Preserve. The webpage mentions basalt cliffs and steep talus slopes. This appears to be a reference to Archer Valley, the large drainage to the southwest, which is home to several endangered plant and animal species. According to the website, the valley is closed to visitors.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
An old retention wall once existed in the bottom of Cynthia Creek before it was blown out by a winter flood. It's original purpose is unknown.
