Hardy Creek
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| | Raps:2-3, max ↨125ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 26 Oct 2024
"Encountered a couple rangers at the trailhead who were curious as to what we were up to, and told us to have a good time. Anchor at R1 had some moss, |
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| Best season: | Jun-Aug
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45.6435, -122.0144
45.6326, -122.0197
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Introduction[edit]
Hardy Falls and Rodney Falls (aka Pool of Winds) are the main attractions on this creek. A fun shortie creek that's beginner-friendly in late-summer into the fall.
Hardy Creek's flow changes substantially with the season. In full spate, water will be literally blasting sidewise out of the Pool of the Winds, whereas in late summer the flow subsides substantially.. This area is very popular with the general public, so please avoid leaving visible anchors, and help pick up any trash you should find in the watercourse.
Watershed: 2.4mi^2.
Approach[edit]
Across from the parking area for Beacon Rock drive up and park at the Lower Picnic area. This is the standard trailhead for Hamilton Mountain. A Washington State Discovery Pass is required to park here.
From the parking area, follow the trail 1mi to Hardy Creek. (Just before reaching the creek, note a spur trail on the right leading down to an overgrown viewing platform. This will be your exit.) At the creek, a short side-trail leads to a metal-railed viewing platform allowing you to peek in at the Pool of the Winds. The main trail descends a short distance to a footbridge. This is a good opportunity to check the flow. On the far side, follow the trail upwards until you reach an obvious junction. Go left and follow the trail north along the east side of Hardy Creek for a few hundred yards until you locate a user trail dropping into the drainage. It's a little steep, but doable.
Head downstream, passing through a boulder jam (easiest way to scramble through seemed to be DCR) to R1. Takes about 5min from the trail. There are a couple short downclimbs.
Descent[edit]
Please do not leave fixed anchors below R1 as this is a high tourist area.
- R1: Rodney Falls 75ft from tree DCR. This drops into a pool/alcove called Pool of the Winds. Watch for a big old growth log leaning vertically against the falls. In low water, it's possible to rappel behind it and pop out the other side through the falls. Do not jump; there's an enormous boulder hidden under the surface in the middle of the pool. Pool of the Winds is also a quasi-popular swimming hole in summer; make sure there's no one below when throwing your ropes. This is a fun rappel.
Exit the pool through a 3ft wide crack. Use caution when climbing out as another drop (adjacent to the viewing platform) comes immediately.
- R2: ~50ft from one of the metal posts of the viewing platform, then downclimb the rest of the way. It's fun to follow the watercourse, but beware potential for a nasty pendulum swing where the creek veers DCR below. At least one person has gotten hurt here, so use caution. Drop is also easily bypassed via the trail DCR.
- Downclimb a short drop under the footbridge. Head downstream about 5min.
- R3: Hardy Falls 125ft from tree DCL. This puts you in a nice line right down the middle of the falls. Use caution on the descent as there may be some foot entrapment potential on the lower pitch. Recommendation: you'll be walking right past this place on the exit, so pulling your rope from the bottom is optional.
Exit[edit]
From the bottom of Hardy Falls, continue downstream a short distance and, when feasible, thrash/scramble your way up & out DCL on the east side of the creek. Make your way up steep slopes until you reach a bench (old trail) that leads back down to Hardy Creek just above R3. Retrieve your rope, cross the creek, and make your way up the west side to reach the old platform. Return the way you came to the trailhead.
Red tape[edit]
A Washington State Discovery Pass is required to park at Beacon Rock State Park.
Rodney Falls is an extremely popular hike. Be aware: unlike other parts of the country, canyoning is not widely known or recognized in the Pacific NW. Individuals climbing, rappelling, or slack-lining around such "show waterfalls" may sometimes garner negative reactions from the general public at large. Negative reactions can lead to complaints and more rules by the local authorities. Locals suggest descending the creek when the number of hikers will be low - e.g. early in the morning or on weekdays. Please be scrupulous about following a Leave-No-Trace ethic. Leaving brightly colored anchors can annoy waterfall photographers, irk land managers, and may encourage the inexperienced / unprepared to attempt to follow you. Please help us keep the creek clean and pack out any trash you might encounter.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
Background[edit]
This creek was probably first descended by Portland locals.
Further Explorations[edit]
There might be another short falls on the creek around 1400' elevation but this has not been confirmed.