Deer Creek (MRNP)

Deer Creek (MRNP) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Also known as: Deer Creek Falls, Deer Creek.

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.7 (10 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C1 I (v3a4 I) Swift water Raps:‌3-4, max ↨80ft Metric Overall: 1.5-2.5h Approach: 5-10min Descent: 1-2h Exit: 10-30min No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Start:	46.8344, -121.5314
Parking:	46.8344, -121.5314
Condition Reports:	28 Sep 2024 "Did a Chinook-Deer-Panther triple. Deer was short and sweet with some great features and rappels and some tempting slide like features. Only downside
Weather:
Best season:	Summer winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Pacific Northwest  Washington South Cascades Mount Rainier National Park

46.8344, -121.531446.8344, -121.5314https://ropewiki.com/images/7/75/Deer_Creek_%28MRNP%29.kmltopo

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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

A great short roadside canyon to do if you want to splash around in some gorgeous pools with fun rappels and low commitment.

There are slides, jumps and thoughtful down-climbing that go into making this canyon worth doing. A rooster tail rappel to top it all off.

Note: this is not Shriner Falls, which is further south and road-side. Google maps has incorrectly labelled these falls as such.

Approach

From road pullout near GPS cords, walk down into the creek and start your adventure.

Descent

Being in MRNP natural anchors are necessary. However this doesn't reduce the quality of any rappel lines.

Pools can be deceptively VERY shallow. Depth check every jump.

• R1 DCL 80' Amazing rooster tail in center of flow.

• R2 DCL 60' A log resting in the middle of the falls creates a serious siphon hazard. Until it's removed stay DCL. Once it's removed the central line should form a fun rope-slide.

• R3 DCL 50', initially into a deep pothole (can be jumped) and then down 40' to the terrace where the water turns DCL to form Deer Creek Falls. (Note any spectators watching from above).

The main section of Deer Creek Falls can produce multiple hazard. The pool at the bottom of the steep falls forms a very turbulent pool in moderate-high flows. It has been rappelled in moderate conditions, however a second major hazard exists just downstream. In the narrows immediately following, the flow is forced under a large log causing a strong strainer to form. Thankfully it's easy to avoid both sections by downclimbing DCR.

Continue downstream for a few more obstacles, being weary of pool depth. Exit at the bridge just before Chinook Creek.

Exit

Follow the trail uphill for 20 mins back to your car!

Trip reports and media

• 

  R1 rooster tail
• 

  R2
• 

  R3 with deep pool
• 

  Downclimb DCR
• 

  One of the many amazing pools
• 

  Selfies!
• 

  Techy Downclimb / bumpy slide

Background

This canyons was first descended on 7/19/2024 by Adam Bercaw, Cole Anderson and Madeline Hwang. Conditions were moderate.