Little Viento Creek

Little Viento Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 1.6 (4 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C I (v3a4 I) Swift water Raps:‌3, max ↨120ft Metric Overall: 1-2h  ⟷0.8mi Approach:  ↑550ft No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Location:	45.6927, -121.6694
Condition Reports:	10 Mar 2024 "Surprisingly low flow. Nice early season shortie creek. Cleaned out debris at the top of the falls to run the flow direct. The big falls is worth the
Weather:
Best season:	Jan-Feb 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

45.6927, -121.6694https://ropewiki.com/images/8/83/Little_Viento_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

19 Mar 2016: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-).

2 Apr 2017: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-).

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

A small tributary flowing into the Columbia River just west of Viento Creek. Little Viento is a good one to hit early season when other creeks are flowing too high. Best for local Portland obsessives who need their rappel fix. Recommend just visiting the last three drops on Little Viento; there are more drops further up the creek, but there's a long walk between them, so they may not be worth your time. This is a short objective which can be run in a couple of hours; perfect for a cold, rainy January day.

Watershed: 0.25mi^2.

Approach

Park in the Viento Creek trailhead on the south side of exit 56. Note the gate on the south side of the parking area just before the bridge over Viento Creek. Bypass the gate and hike up the track. It switchbacks once and opens into a flat area under the powerline. Little Viento is just ahead and around the corner; worth a quick detour to check the flow. Once satisfied, continue up the old track. At about 700ft elevation, the creek should be visible below you on the right. Break off wherever is easiest and drop right down to the top of R1.

• Beware poison oak throughout the area. Another good reason to visit early season.

Descent

• R1: 20ft. Walk down-canyon 100ft to the top of R2.
• R2: Waterworks Falls 120ft. A large fallen, yet living tree partially obstructs the top of the falls. Extended anchor off a log creek center. Watch for some old pipe remnants and wires around the top of the falls (possibly an old water supply to the campground below; hence the name of the falls). Beware loose rock. Any bottom belaying should be done well out of the line of fire.
• R3: 15ft. Tree DCR.

Exit

Continue downstream wherever is easiest and exit up the embankment DCR once under the powerline. Walk back to your car.

Red tape

None.

Background

First descent by Kevin Clark and Karl Helser in March 2016.

Credits

Little Viento 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).