Hemlock Creek
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| Raps:3-5, max ↨80ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Best season: | Mar-Oct
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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.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
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.