Wind Creek

Wind Creek Canyoneering Canyoning Caving

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‌	Difficulty:‌3C III (v3a4 III) Swift water Raps:‌3-6, max ↨180ft Metric Overall: No Red Tape:‌No permit required Shuttle:‌Required Vehicle:Passenger
Location:	45.2973, -121.8555
Condition Reports:	17 Jun 2018 "Some beautiful waterfalls - particularly the big one - but expect a fairly high pay-to-play. Lots of walking between falls. The lower end of the cre
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

45.2973, -121.8555https://ropewiki.com/images/d/d9/Wind_Creek.kmltopo

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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 pretty creek in the Mt. Hood vicinity. Wind Creek has great scenery, some nice waterfalls, and beautiful bedrock, but the pay-to-play is rather high. Expect much moss and long walks between rappels.

Approach

Drop a shuttle car at the defunct bridge across Camp Creek, then shuttle up to the Tom, Dick & Harry Trailhead (these days need to park at Snow Bowl). Follow the trail up onto the ridge. When you see the enormous rock cairn, this is a signal it's time to leave the trail. Thrash wherever is easiest down into the basin beyond. It's about 1mi of relatively easy bushwhacking down to reach Wind Creek. The USGS map labels this area as "Wind Creeek Basin" [sic].

Descent

• The first drop of any significance is located around 3800' elevation. It's an interesting low-angle falls composed of large mossy blocks of stone. Probably not worth the bother of rappelling, however. Bypass DCR.

• R1 & R2: Wind Creek Falls. Located at about 3500ft. The falls is composed of multiple tiers. We rappelled the first few running a 60m rope out to its entire length, then rigged a second pitch off a tree DCR to get down the last tier. The last tier might be downclimbable, but don't slip.

Continue downstream, passing occasional downclimbs.

• R3: 25ft.

We hiked along the south side for some time through largely open, easy forest, before dropping back into the creek. The lower section has long stretches of nice bedrock for walking, with the occasional downclimb along the way.

• R4: 30ft.
• R5: 15ft.

Exit

On nearing Camp Creek, bail out DCL and follow various user and game trails 0.25mi west to FR 2632 and the closed bridge (to vehicles) across Camp Creek.

Red tape

Might need a parking pass to park at SnowBowl these days.

Background

First descent by Keith Campbell and Kevin Clark in June 2018.

Credits

Wind Creek

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).