Wieberg Creek

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Wieberg Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving
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Wieberg Creek Banner.jpg

Difficulty:3C III (v3a4 III)
Raps:‌3-4, max ↨160ft
Metric
Overall:
Red Tape:No permit required
Shuttle:None
Vehicle:Passenger
Rock type:Basalt
Start:
Parking:
Condition Reports:
11 Apr 2025




"the flow dropped a lot in the last 5 days. Still no rope damage. I think the core shots in the beta were from bouncing on rappel.

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Weather:
Best season:
Dec-May
winterspringsummerfall
DecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov
Regions:
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 low elevation, seasonal creek outside of BZ Corner, WA. The creek sports at least three rappels up to 160ft. With decent flow, the canyon can be really fun.

This is a good creek for the early season. There are no deep pools or swimming. Once the vegetation leafs out, there'll be more bushwhacking in the creek. Water levels will drop off significantly heading into summer. The two upper pitches may become completely dry; the spring-fed lower pitch may be running low.

  • Watershed: 1.4mi^2.

Approach

Park at B-5000, but do not to block the gate. This land is owned by SDS logging and is open to hiking unless there is a fire ban (they have their own system independent of the state) - or signs are posted indicating active logging is going on.

Bushwhack Route

Walk up the road until you get to the first big right turn, and then hike up the ridge to about 1,900ft elevation. The ridge is a good place to suit up. When the trees open up into a rocky area, descend climber's left to R2, or keep following the ridge and work your way down to R1. Be aware: the hillside is a boulder field; don't knock rocks on anyone below you. Entering at a staggered diagonal is recommended.

Road Route

Follow the road up to Jct 2076, then take the side road (somewhat overgrown) over to the creek and drop in from above. This approach has minimal bushwhacking and may add +1 short rappel.

Descent

Special note: Both releasable and static blocks can get stuck on ring bolts. The last person (anchor manager) should check the block orientation carefully before rappelling. Alternatively, they should convert the rigging to a system less likely to get stuck (ex: knot block).

R1: 20' ramp

R2: 90' – Unlinked ring bolts DCR. There's an easy climb back to the top (loop wide around DCL) if you want to repeat the rappel.

R3: 100' – Unlinked ring bolts DCR. Pull the rope from across the creek where you have a clear view of the anchor.

R4: 160' – Tree DCR. Spectacular free-hanging rappel. From the anchor, route the rope on the creek side of the log.

  • Beware: Multiple teams have reported rope damage on R4 . Causes may include bouncing on rappel and abrasion point about 30ft down. Consider creeping the rope.

Exit

From the base of the big falls:

Hike downstream ~0.25 miles until you reach a large, upright old-growth snag in the creek bed. Exit DCL, bushwhacking to find a faint overgrown road grade. Follow the mostly level grade around the nose of the ridge. This will intersect the original road used to hike in.

Alternate exit:

Continue downstream an additional 0.25 miles to Highway 141.

Red tape

Wieberg Creek is on land owned by SDS lumber. Be aware: the area may be closed during periods of active logging or high fire danger.

Beta sites

Trip reports and media

Wieberg Creek - Haruka-James Clay Lipscomb Facebook video

Background

Creek was first scouted by Ryan Ernst and Nick Lonstad in December 2016. Haruka and Ryan ran it later in October of 2017, then went back in December 2019 to replace the anchors.

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).

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