Hughes Gorge

Hughes Gorge Canyoneering Canyoning Caving descenso de barrancos Barranquismo

Also known as: Hughes Creek.

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.0 (2 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌2B II (v2a2 III) Raps:‌0 -1, max ↨40ft Metric Overall: 2-4h  ⟷4.2mi Approach: 15-30min  ⟷1.7mi Descent: 1.5-3h  ⟷0.8mi Exit: 15-30min  ⟷1.7mi No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Basalt
Start:	48.0262, -123.5988
Parking:	48.0470, -123.6025
Condition Reports:	2 Aug 2025 "Explore the most of the rest of the Hughes Creek. Lower section is fairly neat and worth doing, took about 1.25 hours from the car to get to. We explo
Weather:
Best season:	Jul to Sep Best time winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America Pacific Northwest  United States Washington Olympic Peninsula

48.0262, -123.598848.0470, -123.6025https://ropewiki.com/images/9/96/Hughes_Gorge.kmltopo

GPS data automatically extracted from [], please visit their site for more detailed information.

Automatic GPS data extraction NOT allowed, please visit [] to download GPX.

Download: KML / GPX | Open in CalTopo | Printable Map

Extract KML / GPX | Open in CalTopo | Printable Map

Extract KML / GPX | Open in CalTopo | Printable Map

Upload new version

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

A neat little gorge with fern filled pillow basalt walls. Best done as an out and back to the waterwall that flows through a slot.

Approach

Please park where signage permits. Take extra caution to stay on trail for first the 0.4 miles, due to narrow easement through private property.

Simply hike along the West Elwha Trail till you hike the bridge that crosses Hughes Creek then turn upstream to start hiking in the gorge.

Descent

The best pay to play ratio for this gorge hike/scramble when you reach a 35ish foot waterfall that falls through a slot. About a dozen minor falls and scrambles required to reach this point. The best season is currently a best guess since I'm not sure about how well the flow in this drainage correlates with the Elwha gauge.

If you want to keep going past this fall or rappel the waterfall(plenty of logs to rappel for anchor material), I did include a bypass route we used in the GPX/KML. The route does have some neat Unicorn Horn, Unicorn Peak, and Mt Baldy. We didn't bring the gear to rappel the drop but I'd estimate that the falls are about 35-45ft rappel (depending on which log is used).

Exit

Same as approach just in reverse.

Red tape

Please Park where signage permits.

If going with a party with multiple cars, consider car pooling from the Madison Falls Trailhead due to limited parking at the West Elwha Trailhead

Please park where signage permits. Take extra caution to stay on trial for first the 0.4 miles, due to narrow easement through private property.

Trailhead does not permit overnight parking. If doing a overnight trip use Madison Falls Trailhead which only adds two more miles of hiking (or you could bike to Altair campground then hike in).

Background

A prospect for exploration is located at (48.03067, -123.63102), probably a 1-2 star canyon.

We explored up to (48.03474, -123.65651), most of best features are below the major waterfall.

Incidents

Credits

Hughes Gorge

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).