Skunk Canyon
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| | Raps:5-10, max ↨50ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:Optional 1.5mi Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 9 May 2026
"Fun canyon for a good adventure. Lots of tree debris throughout, very slippery in the watercourse, and expect to ghost most anchors. Navigating the de |
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| Best season: | May-Oct
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39.0312, -120.7403
39.0215, -120.7366
39.0128, -120.7554
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WaterflowIntroduction
A little tiny creek with a surprisingly cool slotty gorge. Nice rappels and a few fun slides!
Approach
Hike up the road (still closed as of May 2026 and seems like funding for repair won't happen anytime soon). Near the top you will have to scramble across a washout. The road crosses the top of the canyon at a switchback.
You can get a feel for the flow at the parking area, either looking at the waterfall below the culvert or hiking up a few minutes to check out the end of the route. The waterfall below the culvert will be the strongest flow level you'll see in the canyon but there's slots that will add flavor to it.
Descent
Climb in on the upstream side of the road and descend the river left culvert. Then start scrambling down.
The way is overall easy, and has cute frogs, but otherwise you might wonder why you are doing this. 2/3rds of the way down the creek, the canyon descends into a series of tight gorges. Trees are available for most anchors. A couple spots have obvious slides, though check for debris. There was one jump from a stemming position to a tight landing that was fun. Another less obvious slide was steep, into a drop, with a tight landing.
Exit
Get out when you get to the road.
Alternatively, if you really want more, you can continue down Skunk Canyon. It's not as good though. Through the culvert, you'll find either a sketchy downclimb to the left, or a rappel (probably 70 or 80ft). Below this you scramble down some old bridge detritus, more boulders, and eventually get to a rappel, followed by some more canyon sections down to the river. Pretty, but not nearly as nice as the upper part. Hike out upstream along the river to the bridge. This is overall pretty pleasant, though you'll have to cross the river several times, and it's likely difficult/dangerous at higher water levels.