Glacial Gulch

Glacial Gulch Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.0 (3 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3B III PG (v4a2 III) Raps:‌10, max ↨140ft Metric Overall: No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Location:	48.0990, -121.5700
Condition Reports:	9 Aug 2023 "The snow field was way larger than last year and warm rain caused a kind of mini-flood in canyon. We did not bring wet-suits based on last year when f
Weather:
Best season:	Jul-Sep (avg for this region) winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Pacific Northwest  Washington North Cascades Darrington Ranger District

48.0990, -121.5700topo

GPS data automatically extracted from [], please visit their site for more detailed information.

Automatic GPS data extraction NOT allowed, please visit [] to download GPX.

How to create a map | Open CalTopo | Printable Map

Extract KML / GPX | Open in CalTopo | Printable Map

Extract KML / GPX | Open in CalTopo | Printable Map

Upload a KML map

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 deep fissure caused by faulting. Not named on any maps, but Woodhouse (2009) refers to the area as "Glacial Gulch".

Approach

Extremely difficult bushwhacking. Canyon not recommended until a better approach can be figured out.

Enter from the confluence at 3050ft.

Descent

• R1. Enter canyon by down-climbing gravel slope DCR, or sloped rappel off of tree.
• R2. 12ft rap off bolts DCR. Difficult but possible down-climb.
• R3. 80ft rap off bolts DCR. Narrow waterfall.
• R4. 70ft rap off bolts DCR.
• R5. 25ft rap off bolts DCL.
• R6. 25ft rap off bolts DCL.
• R7. 50ft rap off bolts DCL.
• R8. 30ft sloped rappel from deadman anchor. Difficult but possible down-climb.
• R9. 40ft rappel off bolts DCR. Very slippery.
• R10. 140ft rappel off bolts center canyon. Rope abrasion hazard.

Exit

Stay in the stream-bed until you meet Deer Creek, cross it and schwack up to the road.

After the large waterfall you can escape to the fields DCR which seems like a more direct route, but this is not recommended. Very tedious going.

Images

Aerial photo of lower segment

Looking up canyon from the confluence, August 20th, 2020. Snow stays late into the year.

Background

• First descent by Eric Jorgenson, Mike Andrews, Amy Kolor, Lauren Kenyon, and Joe Sepiol on August 20, 2022.

Credits

Glacial Gulch

Information provided by automated processes. 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).