Grotto Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
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Raps:7, max ↨95ft | Overall: | 3-5h | ⟷1.2mi |
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| ⟷0.8mi | ↓787ft | | | ↓300ft |
No Shuttle:Required 15minutes |
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| Condition Reports: |
22 Jul 2020
"FR 2703 is currently BLOCKED by trees about 0.75mi from the junction. Anticipate having to walk an extra hour.. Im not sure what conditions were l
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April-October | winter | | spring | | summer | | fall |
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https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153376598380333.1073741838.561135332&type=1&l=d15ee9c483
43.2503, -122.8212https://ropewiki.com/images/3/32/Grotto_Creek.kmltopo
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Reference photos
6 Apr 2014:
High. High water, only for experienced swift water canyoneers (class C2 = a5). High Flow over Grotto Falls
These reference pictures are used in the
Waterflow analysis to predict current conditions. More reference pictures will produce a more reliable prediction.
(log in to submit reference picture) | 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.
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Introduction[edit]
Grotto creek is a Southern Oregon gem. This creek and nearby Hemlock Creek can be lumped together for one spectacular weekend. This canyon packs two large overhanging waterfalls, both about 95' in height.
Approach[edit]
Drive to Grotto Falls TH. From there you can drive or walk to the drop in. It's a 6.6 mile drive or hike to the drop in point. From Grotto Falls, drive NF-150 to NF-2703. Turn left on NF-2703. After 4 miles turn left on NF-750. Then take your second left on NF-4711. Drive this road till you come to a large marsh and cross over a large culvert. The drop in point is about 200' up the road at a small pull off on the left.
Descent[edit]
From the road, immediately rappel off a cliff to the river bed. NONE OF THIS ROUTE HAS ESTABLISHED ANCHORS. Some problem solving is required when using a single 60m rope, I recommend rappelling DCL for the first 90+ foot waterfall off a tree near the cliff edge and DCR for 'Grotto Falls' off a large Western Cedar. The tree at Grotto Falls is set right against the cliff. All other rappels have a variety of anchors.
Amazing overhang and super fun for a short rappel
After rappelling off Grotto Falls, return to the trail head via the Grotto Falls trail.
Red tape[edit]
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
July 21, 2020: The Road for the shuttle is blocked by fallen trees and requires a 4 mile road hike and very long drive around.
Background[edit]
This canyon was first descended by Adam DiPietro and Steve Schachner in Fall 2013
43.2503, -122.8212
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Weather forecast
Waterflow
