Lena Creek

Lena Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving descenso de barrancos Barranquismo

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‌	Difficulty:‌3C1 II (v3a3 III) Swift water Raps:‌7 + 2 jumps, max ↨95ft Metric Overall: 3-5h  ⟷2.5mi Approach: 30min-1h  ⟷1.3mi  ↑700ft Descent: 2-4h  ⟷0.8mi  ↓600ft Exit: 15-30min  ⟷0.4mi  ↓100ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Optional 0.5 mi Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Basalt
Start:	47.6055, -123.1606
Parking:	47.5996, -123.1511
Shuttle:	47.5996, -123.1591
Condition Reports:	8 Jul 2026 "We did 4 rappels and 0 jumps sadly. Flow is still a bit high which was cool for the big rappels but a tad intimidating. We started off as a party of 4
Weather:
Best season:	Jul-Sept 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

47.6055, -123.160647.5996, -123.151147.5996, -123.1591https://ropewiki.com/images/c/c8/Lena_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

28 Aug 2025: Low. Not as fun, but should be safe even for beginners (class B/C = a3).

23 Jul 2025: Moderate. Challenging but not dangerous for intermediate canyoneers (class C1 = a4). NF25 Bridge

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

Lena Creek is a tributary of the Hamma Hamma River and originates from Lena Lake which is in turn fed from Upper Lena lake, a high alpine lake in Olympic National Park.

Water Flow

The watershed is about 10mi^2 with the highest point being The Brothers at ~6800' elevation. Be aware: this catchment holds snow well into July. The best time to visit the creek is probably July through September dependant on the snow levels.

Approach

From the Upper Approach, continue down canyon. There is a 0.5 mile creek walk with some small slides and jumps prior to the first rappel.

Utilizing the Lower Approach line saves approximately 0.5 mi on trail and 0.5 mi of creek walk without missing the technical portions of the canyon. Can be accessed without a rappel into the creek.

Descent

Single bolts are present on R1-R4. Rappelling from single bolts is not best practice. The canyon can be run utilizing natural anchors. A bolting plan is in progress.

R1 - 40’ rappel from log DCR. Can also be jumped from rock DCC.

R1 (Photo: Tom Finley)

R2 - 25’ plus 10’ back from the edge from large logs.

R3 - 80’ plus 15’ back from edge. Rappel from the logjam. Exiting the pool at the base of the rappel may present difficulties in high flows.

R3 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

J1 - 10’ jump from rock promontory, or walk the balance beam log and jump.

R4 - 15’ from upturned log DCL.

R5 - 45' from live tree on top of large boulder DCR.

R5 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

R6 - 35' from log DCL.

R7 - 25' from logs DCC. Can be downclimbed as a safe alternative.

R7 (Photo: Terry Hiatt)

J2 - 8' from boulder DCC.

J2 (Photo: Tom Finley)

Exit

Continue down canyon through the boulder garden and creek scramble for 0.20 miles or use way trail DCR until you see the bridge where Lena Creek meets NF-25.

Red tape

USFS parking pass is required and day passes can be purchased on site with a credit card.

Background

The first known descent of Lena Creek was made by Austin Abseils, Frank Mayfield, Paige Hanson, Sean Szymanski and Vlad Shalitov on August 22nd 2023

Incidents

Credits

Lena 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).