Nena Canyon

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Difficulty:‌3A I (v3a1 I)

Raps:‌4, max ↨90ft

Metric

Overall:	1.5-2.5h	⟷0.8mi
Approach:	15-30min	⟷0.5mi	↑300ft
Descent:	1-2h	⟷528ft	↓300ft
Exit:	5-10min	⟷528ft	↑

Red Tape:‌No permit required

Shuttle:‌None

Vehicle:Passenger

Rock type:Basalt

Start:

45.1000, -121.1261

Parking:

45.1017, -121.1303

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Condition Reports:

20 May 2026

"Slight drizzle down first big drop, shallow standing pool between last two drops. Spent extra time installing additional anchors.

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Weather:

Weather forecast

Waterflow

Best season:

Mar-June, maybe fall

winter				spring				summer				fall
Dec	Jan	Feb		Mar	Apr	May		Jun	Jul	Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov

Regions:

Northern Oregon Cascades

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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 new canyon along the Deschutes River near Maupin. It’s a quick short 4 rap canyon. Perfect for a before or after rafting trip or to sneak in while you are camping out there.

Approach

Drive out to Maupin, Oregon. Then cross over the bridge over the Deschutes river and turn right onto hwy 197 and then another quick little right onto Deschutes River Access Rd and head up river. Head up past Wapinatia and Harpam Flats til you get to Nena Day Use Area.

Start of the canyon: Hike up the hillside right across from the parking lot. Work your way straight up taking the path of least resistance through a small talus field. Once at the top of a small hill maybe 200ft of elevation gain up start heading out right towards the top of the canyon. You might have to do some easy and unexposed scrambling if you go up too high. At the top there is a big flat area to get set up.

Descent

Rap 1: 1 bolt dcr 10ft. But stay on rappel and walk down 20ft to get to the next anchor.

Rap 2: 50 ft. Anchors are dcr - 2 bolts with some free hanging rappel.

Walk down the canyon about 1,000ft with one small easy 6ft down climb.

Rap 3: 50 ft. But you use like 80ft of rope. Rap off big boulder in the middle of the canyon 20ft from the lip.

Rap 4: 90 ft to the ground. 2 bolt anchor dcr.

Exit

Walk 1,000ft along the road down stream back to your car.

Red tape

Beta sites

Trip reports and media

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cr-9A34Mc-v/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Background

Route was established solo by Tristan Burnham on 5/3/23.

Incidents

Credits

Information provided by automated processes. 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).