Gorton Creek

Gorton Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving descenso de barrancos Barranquismo

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.4 (5 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C1 II PG (v4a4 II) Swift water Raps:‌3-6, max ↨130ft Metric Overall: 4-6.5h  ⟷1mi Approach: 1.5-2h  ↑800ft Descent: 2-4h  ⟷1mi Exit: 15-30min  ↓100ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Basalt
Location:	45.6815, -121.7721
Condition Reports:	14 May 2026 "I’ve edited Gorton’s rating to PG solely due to the approach as it is the technical crux of the canyon. Limit team size and sequence people going
Weather:
Best season:	Nov-Jun winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Pacific Northwest  Washington Oregon Columbia River Gorge  Oregon Side

45.6815, -121.7721https://ropewiki.com/images/b/b3/Gorton_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

5 Dec 2020: Moderate-High. A bit high, quite challenging but not too dangerous (class C1+ = a4+).

14 Jun 2021: Moderate-High. A bit high, quite challenging but not too dangerous (class C1+ = a4+).

23 Feb 2019: High. High water, only for experienced swift water canyoneers (class C2 = a5).

6 Nov 2020: Extreme. Extremely dangerous high water, may be unsafe even for experts (class C4 = a7).

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

Be aware: Gorton Creek was overrun by the Eagle Creek wildfire in September 2017. Please use extreme caution when descending the creek. Between landslides, fallen trees, and loose rocks, this area may be unstable for years go come

Watershed: 2.4mi^2.

Approach

Hippies and creatives were know to climb up to the top of Gorton Creek Falls in the past. Park at the Wyeth camp ground a take the connector trail past the bridge and continue upstream on a faint trail that goes in and out until you reach Gorton Creek Falls. Currently getting up and around the falls involved some exposed bushwhacking for a good while. We went up creek left and up and over a space in between the cliff wall and an outcrop. It is quite possibly the safest route when comparing it to a narrow game trail that crosses the out crop and the large cliff edge.

Once up and over proceed up canyon left until you pass by the next set of falls and then enter the creek. This puts you at the top of R3.

If you wish to do R1 and R2 follow the creek up until you see the uppermost falls (roughly 1/4 mile). With the damage from the wild fire still evident, it may not be worth the crazy gulley and log scrambling. But if you and your team have some masochistic vibes then take the gulley to the left of the fall and the first gulley to the right. This is a wild challenge. A good idea would be to have your nimblest teammate climb up and toss a rope down to you. Once up, climb ove the ridge line and take a gulley down to the creek.

Descent

Starting at Bowtie Falls, Used two bolts in the middle of the chockstone.

• R1- 65’ Using bolts
• R2- 12’ log with webbing in creek. You’ll be in the flow and it is pushy.
• R3- 130’ unlinked bolts dcl. Once again in the flow and pushy. For better pull, due to wood debris in intermediate pools it’s advisable to break this into two rappels, 60’ each. There is a log with webbing creek center from which to do “R3b” should you choose.
• R4- Gorton Creek Falls 175’ (1. 65' 2. 110')

This is the crown jewel of the raps. 2 stages. 1st rap is off of a large old growth DCL. This drop is about 65’ tall and puts you in a deep, swirling pool. It is wise to stay on rappel until you can safety off at the bolt station. To get to the bolt station you need to swim to the lip and walk up a narrow and slimy catwalk. This area could barely hold up to 2 people. Once the line is pulled from the top, prepare to be mostly in the flow for the bottom tier that is about 110’. Whistles are a must as visibility is very limited. Communication is at a premium here.

Exit

Walk back the way you came to your car.

Red tape

Gorton Creek is open after the Eagle Creek Fire of 2017. Be mindful of landslides, dead fall, fallen trees, and false floors. Please use caution.

Background

This area has a fascinating history, as today’s Wyeth Campground is located on the grounds of Civilian Public Service Camp No. 1, a World War II work camp for conscientious objectors. The men serving at this camp built roads and trails throughout the Gorge, in addition to many other public works projects. The camp operated from 1941-1946. You can learn more about the Wyeth work camp here. (from Wy'East Blog)

https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/civilian_public_service_camp_21/#.X81IeRNKg0R

Area has been well documented by Zach Forsyth but it is unclear if he ran the canyon or rappelled around the features. FKD was in 2019 by Haruka James Clay Lipscomb and Ryan Ernst

Incidents

Credits

Gorton Creek

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).