Quartz Creek (South Cascades)

Quartz Creek (South Cascades) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

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‌	Difficulty:‌3C I (v3a3 I) Swift water Raps:‌6, max ↨100ft Metric Overall: No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Optional 5 mins Vehicle:High Clearance
Start:	46.3595, -122.0534
Parking:	46.3622, -122.0548
Condition Reports:	21 May 2025 "First descent trip, after a day of rain so we had some fun sporty flow. Worthwhile canyon if you are in the area. Took us 4 hours including bolting/sc
Weather:
Best season:	Spring to Autumn, BEST in Spring 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 Mount St. Helens

46.3595, -122.053446.3622, -122.0548topo

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Reference photos

21 May 2025: Moderate-High. A bit high, quite challenging but not too dangerous (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

The stream cuts away at a cliffside for the first few drops in a very narrow fashion before dropping into a lovely bedrock walkway with steep canyon walls. After a short walk, there are two more drops that the entire stream fans wide over some low angle falls. Probably not worth it by itself but a great one to combine with strawberry falls.

Approach

From parking/ last switchback, Hike about 100 vertical feet up into the trees. You'll see the first drops there.

Descent

R1: tree DCL. 50 feet. This could also be set up as traverse line. Follow narrow horizontal chute.

R2: 2 bolts DCL. 40 feet. Bolts are located where the narrow chute turns DCR 90 degrees. Rappel down a slippy ramp that ends in 3 foot deep pool with small undercut which could pose a hazard in high flow.

From rap 2 anchor

R3: 1 bolt DCL. 100 feet. Flow will concentrate DCR and is quite pushy in moderate high flow. Stay DCL for less flow. Rappel until reaching shelf with horizontally growing trees DCR.

rap 3 anchor

Next fall is 20 feet. The first descent downclimbed DCR. There were plenty of rocks to build cairn anchor if you wish to rappel the fall.

R4: tree DCR. 40 feet

Rap 4

A bit of creek walking.

Creek walk

R5: tree DCR. 80 feet low angle

R6: group of small trees DCR. 80 feet

Rap 6

Exit

Walk 50ft from the last falls back to the road.

Trip reports and media

Scouting video

Credits

Quartz Creek (South Cascades)

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).