Pilot Creek

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Pilot Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
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Pilot Creek Banner.jpg

Difficulty:3B I (v3a2 I)
Raps:‌4, max ↨50ft
Metric
Overall:1.5h
Red Tape:No permit required
Shuttle:Optional
Vehicle:Passenger
Start:
Parking:
Shuttle:
Condition Reports:
5 Apr 2025




"Water was cold, webbing for R7 appears to have been a washed away, and needs to be replaced.

(log in to submit report)
Weather:
Best season:
Summer, Fall (avg for this region)
winterspringsummerfall
DecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Regions:


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 short but easily accessed route. Its main appeal is as a training venue for beginners - both in terms of technical skills & overall canyon experience. It offers a mixture of both wet & dry rappels at moderate angles. Even a little cave to explore too.

Nearby O'Toole Creek is an obvious progression for beginners after this. Both can be done in a single day.

Approach

  • Turn off the South Skagit Highway onto the Finney-Cumberland forest road [48.5055, -122.0142].
  • Climb the switch backs up out of the valley, and onto NF-17.
  • The road is in decent condition and should accessible with a regular clearance vehicle.
  • Leave one vehicle at the exit point [48.4706, -121.9660] and then continue uphill 1km/0.6 mile until a left turning.
  • Take the left turning [48.4618, -121.9628] onto a smaller forest road which after 2200ft/700m opens into a clearing, park here (or at a slightly earlier pullout).
  • The route starts a few feet away.

Half-wearing your wetsuit is an effective way of staying cool on the first section while minimizing the amount you need to carry down to the creek.

Descent

From the clearing at the top, a dry slot canyon immediately drops northwest (48.4676, -121.9628). The first 3 raps are dry, and take you to the bottom of the slot.

The route has been bolted to maximize training opportunities. Experienced groups will likely combine the first 3 raps, and/or down climb the last section.

  • R1 - 50' From a tree at top of the slot.
  • R2 - 15' Bolts DCR with webbing, directly above an overhang.
  • R3 - 40' Bolts DCL, below the overhang.

From the exit of the slot continue straight into the forest. Orange tape marks a route north to the creek about 800ft away.

After reaching the creek, walk & scramble downstream until the first major obstacle.

  • R4 - Two options:
    • Dry: 30' Bolts DCL above rock slab provide a dry option and a good place to practice ascending.
    • Wet: Webbing on log DCR provides a wet route, dropping you into a small rain room.

A cave DCL of the rock slab takes you back up to the top, allowing for an easy but highly adventurous method of lapping this rappel.

  • R5 - 50' Bolts on the back wall of a pool above an obvious mellow slope. Rap to flat area below still in sight. There is a redirect option DCR to avoid flow if desired
  • R6 - 30' Webbing from tree DCR take you down the final slope. Creek then makes a right hand turn toward the north.

Downclimb DCR over a small drop/logjam utilizing the flakes on the rock face.

  • R7 - After some potentially slippery slabs, 35' from webbing on a tree DCR drops you over the penultimate waterfall.
  • R8 - Very shortly after R7 bolts on wall DCR drop you 50' into the final pool, with the road visible.

Exit

Red tape

Beta sites

Trip reports and media

- First decent photos https://www.facebook.com/groups/pnwcanyoning/posts/10157260996865789/

- https://youtu.be/fxBr9BWLvxk

Background

Credits

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).

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