Hemlock Creek

Hemlock Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

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‌	Difficulty:‌3C II (v3a4 II) Swift water Raps:‌3-5, max ↨80ft Metric Overall: 3-5h  ⟷2.2mi Approach: 1h  ↑840ft Exit: 15min  ↓20ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Location:	43.2049, -122.7146
Condition Reports:	22 Jul 2020 "At the top of the trail turn right down an old logging road parallel to the road, NOT on the main road. However, I recommend starting the route at the
Weather:
Best season:	Mar-Oct winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America Pacific Northwest  United States Oregon Southern Oregon Cascades

43.2049, -122.7146https://ropewiki.com/images/2/22/Hemlock_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

14 Sep 2014: 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

The highlight of this route are the two 80 foot waterfall rappels that are rigged in the middle of the cascades. There is one smaller rappel also in the flow and several fun downclimbs. No shuttle, easy access, and a nearby campground at Lake in the Woods make it the perfect place to get outside and go canyoneering! Can be done with nearby Grotto Creek in one day or one weekend.

Approach

From the Lake in the Woods Camp Ground, hop on trail #1505: Hemlock Creek Trail. Hike till you see the first waterfall (R3/4) and check the water flow. From there, continue till the trail intersects a road (FS-2759) and turn to the right.

Descent

The first 500 feet of the creek from the road heading down is choked with logs and brush. Travel through the forest on creek right for 500 feet or so until the first drop. The first drop can be downclimbed until the final 10 feet which can be accomplished with a partner assist. The 2nd rappel is 80 feet and in the waterfall. The 3rd drop can be downclimbed into a short slide on creek right into a shallow pool. The 4the drop is a 50 foot rappel from a boulder pinch in the flow. The 5th and final rappel is 80 feet from a tree in the middle of the cascade.

Exit

Once you hit a culvert, hop up on the road and turn right. Trail #1505 will cross the road shortly and stroll back to Lake in the Woods campground.

Background

This canyon was first descended by Adam DiPietro and Steve Schachner in Fall 2013.

Just west of Lake in the Woods is another waterfall on this same creek.

Credits

Hemlock 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).