Shotgun Creek

Shotgun Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

Rating:	Log in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rateLog in to rate 3.0 (5 ratings)
‌	Difficulty:‌3C I (v3a4 I) Swift water Raps:‌3-4, max ↨140ft Metric Overall: 2h No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌None Vehicle:Passenger
Start:	45.0122, -122.4901
Parking:	45.0146, -122.4843
Condition Reports:	4 Jul 2022 "Not a major canyon destination, but a fun shortie creek.
Weather:
Best season:	Apr-June winter spring summer fall Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Regions:	North America Pacific Northwest  United States Oregon Northern Oregon Cascades

45.0122, -122.490145.0146, -122.4843https://ropewiki.com/images/8/84/Shotgun_Creek.kmltopo

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Reference photos

4 Jul 2022: Moderate-Low. A bit low, still fun but not very challenging (class C1- = a4-).

20 Nov 2021: 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

A nice short canyon run along the Molalla River suitable for an after-work adventure. It could also be combined with others in the area. The area was lightly singed by the Labor Day fires of 2020, but is not nearly as bad as Pelkey Creek to the south.

• Checkpoint: Check the waterflow from the road or walk up to the last falls (R3).
• Watershed: 1.7mi^2.

Parking

From Molalla, take S Feyrer Park Rd east for ~2mi. Upon crossing the river, turn right on S Dickey Prairie Rd for ~5mi. Turn right and re-cross the river to the west side to enter the Molalla River Recreation Area. Turn left and follow the S Molalla Forest Rd for ~5mi to a large pullout with a restroom on the right.

Approach

Backtrack north along the Molalla River Road for 0.2mi and turn off left on an old road (now trail). Walk around the gate and continue upward for about 0.8mi. Bear left at all junctions. The location of the first rappel is obvious from the road. Suit up and drop in just above it.

Descent

• R1: 45ft. More rope may be required as the anchor (tree DCR) is set some distance back.
• R2: 15ft. Tree DCR.

Walk down the creek a ways.

• R3: Shotgun Falls from tree high DCL. You'll need to exit the creek and climb up well before the falls due to a mass of fallen trees. About 140ft of rope is needed from the anchor. Use caution when throwing your rope as there may be people below. Beware loose rock near the top of the falls.
• Just downstream is a final short drop. This might be another rappel some day, but as of 2020 it's a mess of logs and woody debris. Bypass on user trail DCL instead.

Exit

From Shotgun Falls, follow the user trail DCL out to the road. (For extra bonus points you can wander through the culvert under the road). Follow the road back to your car (300ft).

Red tape

None.

Background

• There are a couple of other short waterfalls quite a bit further up the creek, but they may not be worth your time.