Harphan Creek

Harphan 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 2.7 (4 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C III (v3a4 III) Swift water Raps:‌3-5, max ↨165ft Metric Overall:  ⟷3.7mi Approach: 1.5-2h  ⟷2.6mi  ↑1700ft Descent:  ⟷0.2mi  ↓500ft Exit:  ⟷0.9mi  ↓500ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Start:	45.6786, -121.7646
Parking:	45.6887, -121.7721
Condition Reports:	30 May 2026 "The creek is messy after the fire. Lots of rockslides and trees in the creek. It was not really worth the pay to play.
Weather:
Best season:	May-July winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Pacific Northwest  Oregon Washington Columbia River Gorge  Oregon Side

45.6786, -121.764645.6887, -121.7721https://ropewiki.com/images/1/1e/Harphan_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

5 Jul 2015: Low. Not as fun, but should be safe even for beginners (class B/C = a3).

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: Harphan 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 and dangerous for years go come. The canyon may have changed dramatically. Do not rely on the beta below being accurate until we start getting some trip reports back.

• Watershed: 0.9mi^2. Highest point in the drainage is about 4200ft.

Approach

From the Wyeth Campground, follow the trail south to a four-way junction and turn left on the Wyeth Trail. The trail initially swings back north, passes around the nose of the Harphan Ridge, and eventually plunges into the forest. After 0.5mi the trail crosses Harphan Creek. This is the checkpoint. Continue on up the trail for another 2.5mi, through numerous switchbacks. Around 1800’ the trail finishes switch backing and swings south. Continue to about 1900’ elevation, look for a good place to drop down into the creek. We found a steep forested ridgeline to descend that was surprisingly clear of underbrush. Enter the creek at about 1500' elevation. Not on the map - there is a game trail off the next lower switch back that goes. You initially drop some elevation but then follow an elevation line to the creek. Use a map with slope angle shading and avoid the purple near the creek.

Descent

• R1: 50ft from bolts DCL.

About 100yrds below R1 is a short 4ft downclimb. Below is Harphan Creek Falls - a beautiful twisting five-tier waterfall about 165ft in height.

• R2: 175 from bolts DCL

• R2.5 There are rocks and logs so we did a dirty rap off a tree.

• R3: 150 from a boulder pinch creek center. Rampy falls drops to a small platform, then turns over a drop to a ramp at the bottom.

• R4: 40ft in two tiers. Broken log creek center.

Continue downstream another 30min to the Wyeth Trail.

Exit

Follow the trail back to your car.

Red tape

A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

Background

First descent in July 2015 by Keith Campbell, Wim Aarts, and Kevin Clark.

Incidents

Credits

Harphan 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).