Swift Creek (Mt. St. Helens)

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Swift Creek (Mt. St. Helens) Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
The exploration of this location has not yet been documented
All information is unverified estimation
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Difficulty:‌3C2 II R (v5a5 II)
Raps:‌3-4
Metric
Overall: ⟷0.8mi
Approach: ⟷0.3mi ↓190ft
Descent: ⟷0.3mi ↓160ft
Exit: ⟷0.2mi ↑400ft
Red Tape:‌No permit required
Shuttle:‌None
Vehicle:Passenger
Start:
Parking:
Condition Reports:

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Weather:
Best season:
Aug-Sept
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Regions:
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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[edit]

Mt. St. Helens area prospect.

  • WARNING: Swift Creek drains most of the south side of Mt. St. Helens and runs very high even well into late summer. Swiftwater training is strongly recommended for this canyon. Even just crossing the creek from one side to the other demands attention. Backing off / turning around in the narrows may not always be possible due to strong current. It may not be possible to escape due to steep canyon walls.

Approach[edit]

From the parking pullout, follow the road back towards the bridge. Just before crossing, jump the jersey barrier on the north side. Follow old user / game trails all the way down the ridge into the creek right to the top of R1. The forest is relatively open and easy going.

Descent[edit]

  • R1: 20ft from tree DCL. Possible jump. (It's possible to escape DCL in two places just downstream of R1.)
  • R2: ~20ft. Possible rappel from a tree DCL. The DCR side would likely need to be bolted.

There may be additional obstacles in the narrows. Multiple crossings of strong areas of flow may be necessary.

  • R3: ~60ft.

Exit[edit]

From the final plunge pool, head downstream about 300ft, then exit DCL. It looks feasible to ascend up to the headwall, the contour climber's right to get on the ridge. Pass through a weakness in the cliff bands to top out and make your way to the road.

Red tape[edit]

None.

Beta sites[edit]

Trip reports and media[edit]

Background[edit]

Initial scout in Sept 2025 by Kevin Clark, Wade Hewitt, Trey Schutrumpf, and Alex Danielson. The creek proved to have a surprising amount of water for mid-September.

Incidents

Credits

Information provided by automated processes. KML map 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).

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