Platinum Creek

Platinum Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

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‌	Difficulty:‌3C I (v3a4 I) Swift water Raps:‌2-3 Metric Overall: No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Optional Vehicle:Passenger
Location:	46.1913, -121.8549
Condition Reports:	29 Sep 2019 "First descent of Platinum. Not a super technical creek, but some very nice swept bedrock sections reminiscent of Northwoods. The crux is a 30ft chut
Weather:
Best season:	Jul-Sep (avg for this region) winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America United States Pacific Northwest  Washington South Cascades Lewis River (Washington)

46.1913, -121.8549https://ropewiki.com/images/7/72/Platinum_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

29 Sep 2019: Very Low. Water flow should not represent any danger (class B = a2).

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 short canyon near the Lewis River Horse Camp. Not a major objective, but a nice short canyon if looking for a chill rest day. If staying at the Lewis River Horse Camp, you could hike the entire canyon right from camp. The creek has pretty low water in August; you've been warned.

Approach

Drop a car at the upper Lewis River trailhead (where Quartz Creek passes underneath FR 90) and head back west. Head up FR 93 for ~2.5mi to park at the top of Platinum Creek.

• Checkpoint: Check the flow right from FR 93 at the top of Platinum.

Descent

Head downstream. For a low-water creek, there's a lot of very nice bedrock, some of which is deep red in color. Some of the best creek-walking ever.

• Short 8ft ramp. Downclimb or rappel.
• R1: 30ft from fallen log DCL down a narrow chute. The chute is committing.
• R2: Platinum Falls - 100ft(?) into an impressive amphitheater. Natural anchors are extremely limited at the bottom of the chute. This would be a good place for a bolt station.

Below the amphitheater, the going isn't quite as easy, but there's still some nice bedrock sections. When you see a defunct bridge DCL, the end is near. Bail out on the Lewis River Trail just before Quartz Creek.

Exit

Follow the Quartz Creek Trail about 0.75mi south to the lower parking area on FR 90. There's some nice old growth on the hike out.

Red tape

Starting in 2021: between June 15 and Sept 30, a permit is required to park along a 14mi stretch of FR 90. Parking in this area is limited to one of six different recreational sites. Permits are available from recreation.gov.

• Map of the restricted parking area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd910851.pdf
• The best parking areas for Platinum Creek are the Lewis River Horse Camp or Upper Falls.

Background

First descended by Kevin Clark in September 2019.

Credits

Platinum 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).