Triangulation Creek

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Difficulty:‌3C III (v3a4 III)

Raps:‌7-11, max ↨65ft

Metric

Overall:	⟷1.8mi
Approach:	⟷0.6mi	↓970ft
Descent:	⟷0.7mi	↓1000ft
Exit:	⟷0.5mi	↓270ft

Red Tape:‌No permit required

Shuttle:‌Required

Vehicle:High Clearance

Start:

45.6302, -123.6523

Parking:

45.6284, -123.6434

Shuttle:

45.6212, -123.6714

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Condition Reports:

8 Mar 2025

"Likely the only group in this canyon since the first descent in 2018. It was long but enjoyable with a couple fun rappels and took our time. Might be

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Weather:

Weather forecast

Waterflow

Best season:

Spring

winter				spring				summer				fall
Dec	Jan	Feb		Mar	Apr	May		Jun	Jul	Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov

Regions:

Download: KML / GPX | Open in CalTopo | Printable Map

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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]

Deep in the Tillamook State Forest lies rarely seen and rarely descended Triangulation Creek. With multiple access points, and multiple side falls this area has several options for exploration, but has a fairly high pay to play for most folks and high clearance vehicle is preferred. Flow will be a trickle by the beginning of summer so catch it early. On the shuttle make sure to stop at Triangulation Point for a 360 Degree view, also a common destination for OHVs.

Approach[edit]

Depending on logging operations some options for getting into the area may be blocked. Known routes into the area include Cedar Creek Road that starts at Jones Creek Campground, Cedar Butte Road near Keenig Creek Campground, and Kilchis River Forest Road out of Tillamook. Once in the area some logging operations may also effect road conditions. At the 5-Way intersection marked on the map you can drive West and shorten the approach instead of going up to Triangulation Point but this was a muddy mess in March 2025 and then you miss the nice view at the top. From the parking location follow the old road grade down around the first turn, shortly after find an easy spot to head down off the road into the trees. The approach is through relatively open forest sometimes following game trails, some times crossing road grades. If it gets steep you are too far DCR.

Descent[edit]

R1: 50ft of rope from tree DCR. Ghosted, no anchor left.
R2: 65ft of rope from tree DCR. Webbing on tree.
R3: 40ft of rope from tree across creek. Ghosted, no anchor left. Short drop easy to downclimb/avoid on either side.
R4: Ropebag Falls: 60ft of rope from tree 25ft back from lip DCR. Webbing on tree.

Immediately below R4 are 2 downclimbs.

R5: Rooster Tail Falls: 55ft of rope from tree DCR. Ghosted, no anchor left.
R6: Triangulation Falls. Two tier. First descent team did as a single anchor we found it better as two.

R6a: 30ft of rope from tree DCR. Webbing on tree.
R6b: 45ft of rope from trees/shrub DCR. Webbing on tree. It's possible for block to get stuck in a groove in the rock, throw pull side DCR to avoid.

R7: Bobsled Falls. This is a multi-tiered dropped best split up into 4 rappels for easier pull and line of sight.

R7a: 50ft of rope from tree DCL. Webbing on tree. Drops you into a slot that could be a hydraulic at high water but the rappel is a ramp into the pool.
R7b: 60ft of rope from large tree wedged in the rocks at water level. Webbing on tree. There is a small drop at the bottom of the pool that can be downclimbed, slid, or extend rappel.
R7c: 30ft of rope from large rock DCR. Webbing left on rock. This rappel goes down a horizontal chute to a 90 degree turn.
R7d: 50ft of rope from tree across creek. Ghosted, no anchor left. Multi-tiered ramp.

Exit[edit]

After Bobsled Falls follow the creek down to the confluence with the Kilchis River. It's a fairly easy creek walk in most places. Cross the Kilchis River and climb up the bank to where you parked your car.

Red tape[edit]

None.

Beta sites[edit]

Trip reports and media[edit]

https://youtu.be/dwBeytduBss March 2025

Background[edit]

First descended in March 2018 by Keith Campbell, Karl Helser, and Brad Noren.

Credits

Information provided by automated processes. KML map by (unknown). 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).