Opal Creek (Upper Section) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
Also known as: Little North Santiam River; Opal Creek Narrows.
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Raps:5+, max ↨150ft | Overall: | | ⟷7.9mi |
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| | ↓352ft | | ⟷4.2mi | ↓1322ft | | | ↓525ft |
Closed Shuttle:Required 60 min |
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Jul-Sep (avg for this region) | winter | | spring | | summer | | fall |
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| Dec | Jan | Feb | | Mar | Apr | May | | Jun | Jul | Aug | | Sep | Oct | Nov |
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http://ropewiki.com/User:Super_Amazing_Map?id=Opal_Creek_Narrows_-_Oregon,https://web.archive.org/web/20210527212206/www.canyoneeringnorthwest.com/OpalCreek/Opal_Creek.php,https://web.archive.org/web/20210527212206/www.canyoneeringnorthwest.com/NorthSantiamRiver/North_Santiam_River.php
44.7900, -122.2274https://ropewiki.com/images/b/b1/Opal_Creek_%28Upper_Section%29.kmltopo
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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.
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Introduction
Approach
Current Status: Closed. This creek was overrun by the Beachie/Santiam Fire in Sept 2020 and has been closed. Please check on local closures before planning a trip to this area. When the area eventually reopens, use extreme caution when descending the creek. Between landslides, fallen trees, and loose rocks, this area may be unstable and dangerous for years to come. The canyon may have changed dramatically. Do not rely on the beta below being accurate.
Descent
R1: 20'. Downclimb or rappel from tree
R2: 150'. DCR - wide tree. Be careful of sharp rocks.
R3: 60'. DCL - tree
..several smaller waterfalls that can be down climbed or rappelled…
R4: 25'. DCR - tree or Jump 30' from rim DCR
R5: 15' jump
You'll soon approach Cedar Flats campground where you can camp overnight or follow a trail that leads back to Jawbone flats. The trail follow the west side of the canyon. If you decide to continue down the creek, you'll experience jumps, a short slide, and several beautiful swims until you reach Jawbone flats.
Exit
From Jawbone flats, follow the trail West of the creek back to your car.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
Background
This Opal Creek route described is upstream of Jawbone Flats The section downstream of Jawbone flats is non-technical and can be found here
44.7900, -122.2274
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Super Amazing Map : Opal Creek Narrows