Running Creek
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| | Difficulty:3B (v3a2 I) Raps:0-4, max ↨148ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle: Vehicle:Passenger Rock type:Volcanics | |||
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| Condition Reports: | 15 Mar 2025
"Higher flow in the wake of Cyclone Alfred. The bolts for the second pitch (45m) were unable to be located, but the pieces (they said it looked as if d |
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-27.9171, 153.2299
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Introduction
Running creek makes for a lazy afternoon trip being completable in around 3hrs. It also a great canyon to introduce people to abseiling, as both R1 and R2 are beginner friendly. R1 is short, has a ledge halfway down that reduces the exposure, and has step-like features on CL. For R2 the first ~20m is a 45-degree slope on dry rock (easier than Love Creek Falls or Kangaroo Point cliffs).
By scrambling on walls at the end of each abseil, it is possible to complete the whole canyon in low/medium flow dry above the ankles, making it a great candidate for winter trips. However, the natural line on R2 does lead into a deep pool (swim), and the rock type in Running Creek is particularly prone to being slippery when wet, so one should not count on staying dry.
Approach
From the car park, follow the right branch of the fire trail until you reach Running Creek, which flows directly across the fire trail. R1 is encountered immediately, 5m from the fire trail.
Descent
Update: We took a 40m static rope and can confirm it was not long enough when doubled over for R3 by about 5m. Topo needs to be updated to show a pitch length 25m.
Note: On R4, run the rope underneath the vine at the top of the falls to put you in the optimal line (true left in flow - otherwise the natural line is true right down a very slippery and smooth rockface). [Vine is now gone, Feb 2025.]
Exit
Beware that the creek continues after R4. After the 8m sloper, there is a sling around a tree on CL. However, the exit is up a gully on CR. The exit is very steep on loose scree in places and there is no distinct track. Unlike the abseils, the steepness of the exit renders it not beginner-friendly. Continue ascending until you hit the fire trail, then turn right on the fire trail and follow it back west. The first obvious right turn in the fire trail takes you back to the top of R1.
Red tape
Beta sites
Trip reports and media
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YouTube.com : Jelbuilder, Overcoming My Fears (8th July, 2023)
