Devils Chasm (Mount Rainier National Park)

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Devils Chasm (Mount Rainier National Park) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
The exploration of this location has not yet been documented
All information is unverified estimation
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Devils Chasm (Mount Rainier National Park) Banner.jpg

‌
Difficulty:‌3A III (v3a1 III)
Raps:‌3-4
Metric
Overall:
Red Tape:‌Permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Vehicle:Passenger
Start:
Parking:
Condition Reports:
5 Sep 2021

"Scouting canyon prospect. Did not run. Probably would be more interesting descent earlier in the season with some flow.

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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[edit]

An interesting fault-crack chasm in Mt. Rainier National Park just south of Iron Mountain, a shorter satellite peak of Mt. Rainier. While it's a cool chasm with 100ft high walls in places, it has a very high pay-to-play ratio with a 4-5mi hike coming and going. The chasm was dry in early September 2021, but clearly experiences good flow earlier in the season per the lack of vegetation within the canyon.

  • The chasm is probably best visited while doing backpacking or doing something else in the neighborhood. It's a literal stones-throw away from the Devil's Dream Camp just off the Wonderland Trail.
  • The Wonderland Trail is not shown properly on USGS maps. It runs up the south side of the chasm, not the north.

Approach[edit]

From Longmire, hike the Wonderland Trail for 4.3mi to a bridge crossing Devils Dream Creek just downstream of the chasm. This is a checkpoint for the flow (if any). Continue hiking up the Wonderland another 0.4mi to just before the Devil's Dream trailside camp where a user trail drops down to the north into the drainage. Total distance is 4.7mi and 2500' elevation gain.

  • A more interesting approach might be to continue up the trail to about 5000ft elevation, then bushwhack east to the top of the falls. This would likely add several rappels to the adventure.
  • You could also hike here via the Kautz Creek trail, although it's longer and has more elevation gain.

Descent[edit]

Head downstream wherever is easiest and the creek soon slots up.

  • 20ft downclimb DCR.
  • 30ft.
  • ?? The rappel starts through a gap underneath a chockstone.
  • 50ft.
  • 20ft. Downclimb(?) or rappel.

Continue downstream until you reach the bridge on the Wonderland Trail. It may be easier to exit DCR just after the canyon opens per logs in the creek.

Exit[edit]

Hike back out the way you came.

Red tape[edit]

Entrance Fee[edit]

Mt. Rainier has an entrance fee. [1]

Timed Entry System[edit]

Mount Rainier will be instituting a "pilot" timed entry system from Memorial Day-Labor Day, 2024. Some key points:

  • No reservation is needed if you arrive before 7am.
  • There is no limit on how long you stay.
  • Each vehicle must have a unique timed entry ticket, and must enter during that 2 hour window.
  • Reservations for entry are through recreation.gov, and timelines for when they open are on the website.

July trips need to be planned by April 1. August trips by May 1. Either plan on one vehicle only, or have at least two members of your team identified (and plan to be in separate vehicles). Alternatively, arrive early and enter the park before 7am.

Beta sites[edit]

Trip reports and media[edit]

Background[edit]

First scouted for canyon potential in 2021. It has not been completely run.

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).

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