Gorge Creek Canyon

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Gorge Creek Canyon Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
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Gorge Creek Canyon Banner.jpg

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Difficulty:‌3C III (v3a4 III)
Raps:‌5-6, max ↨160ft
Metric
Overall:4-6h ⟷1.5mi
Approach:30-45min ↑500ft
Descent:3-5h ⟷0.5mi ↓600ft
Exit:30-45min ↑300ft
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Vehicle:Passenger
Rock type:Granite
Location:
Condition Reports:
23 Jul 2019

"Excellent canyon for waterfall rappelling. Very scenic. Fun swim exit. If you like rappelling in waterfalls this is the canyon for you. Much easier th

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Best season:
Jul-Sep
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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]

The best checkpoint for water flow is from the Gorge bridge that overlooks the canyon, from here one can see all the rappels except R1. Despite appearances from the bridge, all of the falls spread out immediately after pouring over and are relatively benign while on rappel. R5 is the burliest looking from the anchor, but the rappeller does a quick duck under to cross the flow at the top and is behind the falls to the bottom. All of the falls may look intimidating from the bridge because one is looking at them from the side. The waterfalls pour over to canyon right and spread out, making them easier than one would imagine from the bridge.

There is a nice campground with toilets and fire pits at Gorge Lake CG, just before the hamlet of Diablo, that was free in 2019.

Approach[edit]

Follow the use trail immediately east of the bridge. The trail quickly disappears. Continue up the nose of the ridge to the 1580 foot level. Contour over about 500 feet and then head down to the East Fork. It is recommended to enter the main drainage via the East Fork as it provides a very nice entry rappel in a friendly flow. At this point the flow is roughly 1/2 of that in the ensuing rappels below the confluence of the two upper forks.

It may be possible to start the canyon much higher than stated in the beta by using the trails climbers use to access David Peak (Little Davie). For more information see:

Descent[edit]

  • XPICX
    Canyon Profile by Joe Bugden
    • R1: East Fork, 110ft (not 80ft nor 180ft), bolts canyon right
    • R2: 150ft, canyon right, THIS DROP NEEDS ANCHORS LEFT OF THE BOULDER TO BE IN THE FLOW. As it is, the rappeller is unfortunately mostly out of the watercourse. It is possible to set webbing on boulders above the falls but the pull may be difficult or there may be pinch points if poorly positioned. Rap is about 170' from about 12' back. More if anchored further back.
    • R3: 50ft
    • R4: 50ft
    • R5: 40ft, or can be downclimbed left to a 15' jump into a shallow pool

    Below the 5 rappels are a couple small jumps. Continue creek walking under the bridge and to the lake.

    Exit[edit]

    Enter the lake and swim about 500 feet to an easy scramble out on the left just past the corner. Hike up the nose of the ridge to the road.

    Red tape[edit]

    Beta sites[edit]

    Trip reports and media[edit]

    Background[edit]

    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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