Elk Creek

Elk Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.5 (4 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C I (v3a4 I) Swift water Raps:‌4-5, max ↨120ft Metric Overall: 2.5h Approach:  ⟷0.3mi  ↑400ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Start:	42.8140, -124.0105
Parking:	42.8165, -124.0129
Condition Reports:	16 Aug 2024 "R1 was clogged with fallen trees, I ghosted off a tree in the forest into the canyon and skipped R1. Use caution it looks like you could walk down to
Weather:
Best season:	Mar-Jun winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America Pacific Northwest  United States Oregon Coast Range

https://web.archive.org/web/20210527212206/www.canyoneeringnorthwest.com/ElkCreek/Elk_Creek.php

42.8140, -124.010542.8165, -124.0129https://ropewiki.com/images/9/91/Elk_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

20 Feb 2023: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-). did not run the canyon

These reference pictures are used in the Waterflow analysis to predict current conditions. More reference pictures will produce a more reliable prediction.

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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 lesser tributary of the Coquille River in southwestern Oregon.

• The watershed is 5.2mi^2. The highest point of the drainage is about 3750ft elevation. A good section of the headwaters has been clearcut.

Approach

The trail from the parking area divides almost immediately:

• Left: This is a two minute walk to a viewpoint of the lowest falls and a good checkpoint on flow conditions. There is an oddly situated bench here.

• Right: This trail climbs steeply uphill to the Big Tree. After the 10th switchback, the trail turns sharplly right. There is a small dip in the trail before it turns and reaches the top of the ridgecrest. You will pass a large fallen log on the left side of the trail (42.81435, -124.01218). Break off here and bushwhack down the hill on your left to the creek. With a little luck, you might find a boot path that leads right to the top of the first falls. The hike is about 30min from the parking area.

Descent

• R1: 20ft from a tree set about 20ft back from the edge of the falls.
• R2: 120ft from tree DCL.
• R3: 30ft from small tree DCR.
• R4: 100ft from tree DCL (tree is set back some distance from the edge). A 60m rope (doubled??) is barely long enough to reach.
• Chute: ??ft. You could rappel this from a shaky tree. Discretion is advised (?).

Exit

Just downstream from the last falls, look for a small viewing area DCL with the oddly-situated bench. Follow the trail back out (2min).

Red tape

None.

Beta sites

• CanyoneeringNorthwest.com (archive.org)  : Elk Creek

Further Explorations

• The north, middle, and south forks of Elk Creek may sport additional waterfalls. These might be considered separate objectives, however, per the distance between them and the main section of the creek described above.

Seasonal falls just north of Elk Creek trailhead

• Immediately north of the Elk Creek parking area is a very small seasonal drainage and a big waterfall that comes all the way down to the road. It looks like it'd be a fun rappel when it has some water. Might need to be bolted for anchors. Best access is likely via a shuttle up FR 3358.