OK, so I am trying to come up with ideas for what canyons to hit on
my trip up there in August and am looking for suggestions on any
changes I should make, and how I will get the best bang for my buck.

Right now lets say I have eight days off, two days for driving (it
will probably be around a 10 hour drive from SLC) leaves six days for
canyons. I don't really want to spend the entire trip driving for
miles and miles to make sure I hit all the very best canyons. I plan
on making multiple trips over the years so I'd rather concentrate on
one area and not have to move camp every day.

So day one, drive to Oregon and camp somewhere in the Columbia River
Gorge (any suggestions on good places to camp?).

Day two hit up Oneonta and whatever we have time for in the
Starvation Creek area.

Day three hit up Eagle Creek.

Day four, pack up camp and drive up to the Mt. Ranier area (possibly
stopping off at Rock Creek and hitting up the "best" section since it
sounds short). Big Creek is on the way too, but it's still in the
seven undescended section, sounds like it could be really good,
anyone planning on doing it this coming season? Any suggestions on
where to camp near Ranier?

Day five do a canyon near Ranier.

Day six, do another canyon near Ranier. So I have two days near
Ranier, but there are multiple canyons to choose from, what to do?
Any suggestions? Summit looks good, Cortright looks good, Unicorn
seems to be done a lot, and a Devils Creek/West Quartz Creek combo
looks really good to.

Day seven, do Davis Creek Canyon.

Day eight, pack up and drive home.

Also anyone willing to show some young punks a thing or two about
these wet canyons you have up there (anyone would be welcome on our
trip, especially the experienced locals). Any of these canyons going
to pose a problem for us? We have done our fair share of Utah
canyons, but I'm sure they are quite different. I'm planning on
taking the swift water course from the ACA before this adventure but
I really don't want to die up there. Any words of caution or
encouragement are welcome. Thanks.

Eric.

•  1
  New Files

• Pacific northwest
• Pacific northwest hiking
• Pacific northwest travel
• Pacific northwest vacation
• Pacific northwest cruise

That looks like a pretty good plan to me.

Here's a couple things to keep under consideration for your trip. The NW
got hammered with some wicked flooding and windstorms this fall/winter.
Parts of Mount Rainier NP are still closed to vehicle traffic. I would
guess most of that will be repaired by August, but something to check in
on before you hit the park.

http://www.nps.gov/mora/parknews/november-2006-flooding.htm

I imagine some of the canyons have been rearranged as well, so the beta on
Ken's site may need some updating this summer. I'm hoping to hit Eagle
Creek / Summit Creek as soon as I can get a chance, as I haven't done
those yet...so I'm sure I and/or others will have updates on those and
other canyons before August.

craig

On Fri, 2 Feb 2007, Eric wrote:

> OK, so I am trying to come up with ideas for what canyons to hit on
> my trip up there in August and am looking for suggestions on any
> changes I should make, and how I will get the best bang for my buck.
>
> Right now lets say I have eight days off, two days for driving (it
> will probably be around a 10 hour drive from SLC) leaves six days for
> canyons. I don't really want to spend the entire trip driving for
> miles and miles to make sure I hit all the very best canyons. I plan
> on making multiple trips over the years so I'd rather concentrate on
> one area and not have to move camp every day.
>
> So day one, drive to Oregon and camp somewhere in the Columbia River
> Gorge (any suggestions on good places to camp?).
>
> Day two hit up Oneonta and whatever we have time for in the
> Starvation Creek area.
>
> Day three hit up Eagle Creek.
>
> Day four, pack up camp and drive up to the Mt. Ranier area (possibly
> stopping off at Rock Creek and hitting up the "best" section since it
> sounds short). Big Creek is on the way too, but it's still in the
> seven undescended section, sounds like it could be really good,
> anyone planning on doing it this coming season? Any suggestions on
> where to camp near Ranier?
>
> Day five do a canyon near Ranier.
>
> Day six, do another canyon near Ranier. So I have two days near
> Ranier, but there are multiple canyons to choose from, what to do?
> Any suggestions? Summit looks good, Cortright looks good, Unicorn
> seems to be done a lot, and a Devils Creek/West Quartz Creek combo
> looks really good to.
>
> Day seven, do Davis Creek Canyon.
>
> Day eight, pack up and drive home.
>
> Also anyone willing to show some young punks a thing or two about
> these wet canyons you have up there (anyone would be welcome on our
> trip, especially the experienced locals). Any of these canyons going
> to pose a problem for us? We have done our fair share of Utah
> canyons, but I'm sure they are quite different. I'm planning on
> taking the swift water course from the ACA before this adventure but
> I really don't want to die up there. Any words of caution or
> encouragement are welcome. Thanks.
>
> Eric.
>
>

•  1
  New Files

• Pacific northwest
• Pacific northwest hiking
• Pacific northwest travel
• Pacific northwest vacation
• Pacific northwest cruise

--- In pnwcanyoning@yahoogroups.com, "Eric" <ericgodfrey@...> wrote:
> Day two hit up Oneonta and whatever we have time for in the

Oneonta is probably out, it is the subject of a voluntary closure:

http://tinyurl.com/2ldd6p

To be honest, Oneonta was ok, but I didn't think incredible. You can
see all the best parts by hiking off trail, and the hike up from the
bottom is very nice (albeit crowded)

> Day five do a canyon near Ranier.
> Day six, do another canyon near Ranier. So I have two days near
> Ranier, but there are multiple canyons to choose from, what to do?
> Any suggestions? Summit looks good, Cortright looks good, Unicorn
> seems to be done a lot, and a Devils Creek/West Quartz Creek combo
> looks really good to.

I'm surprised nobody does Edith Creek, or maybe I'm just not hearing.
:) I know there isn't much encouragement to go there, but you should
be fine if you follow the rules on Ken's site (basically keep a low
profile. Oh and carry some garbage out, there is plenty down there).
I thought it was a fun, and short little adventure. Of course who
knows what it looks like after the flooding. Later that day Ken
pointed out Unicorn, which we finally explored a year later, and we
played around at the bottom of Nickle Creek, finding a cool natural
bridge over the cowlitz. I'm not sure if anyone has descended Nickle
in its entirety, but I think there were some prospects in the upper
end (the lower part was interesting, but not really much canyoning,
and you have to jug your ropes because the cowlitz itself has
waaaaaaaaay too much water). Whoops, I'm rambling now

M

•  1
  New Files

• Pacific northwest
• Pacific northwest hiking
• Pacific northwest travel
• Pacific northwest vacation
• Pacific northwest cruise

'allo
An outsiders perspective:

--- In pnwcanyoning@yahoogroups.com, "Eric" <ericgodfrey@...> wrote:
> So day one, drive to Oregon and camp somewhere in the Columbia
> River Gorge (any suggestions on good places to camp?).

Campsites seem to be wedged between HWY and the Railway...
Bring some ear plugs!!
http://tinyurl.com/2aopwj

> Day two hit up Oneonta..

As Mike.D said, Oneonta is best left alone... but well worth a walk
up the narrows from the bottom.
Another one worth having a sticky-beak (a gander, a look) at from
the bottom is Tanner Creek, very nice.
And if, by chance, that Brewery at Troutdale has re-opened I'd say
go there for some grub (food)

> Day three hit up Eagle Creek.

Eagle Creek is awesome... you'll have a blast.

> Big Creek is on the way too, but it's still in the seven
> undescended section, sounds like it could be really good, anyone
> planning on doing it this coming season?
> Any suggestions on where to camp near Ranier?

Big Creek looks wicked scary. A whole bunch of water disappearing
into a very narrow crack. No way to tell what's goin' on down in the
guts of the business section. You can see the water pouring in, and
get a tiny glimpse of it bouncing around deep in the crack, then
nothing until the water emerges, prolly 200m beneath where it
enters. Very cool.
The summit creek campground is not too far away from Rainer and also
puts you in a a good spot to hit Davis creek.

> Any of these canyons going to pose a problem for us? We have done
> our fair share of Utah canyons, but I'm sure they are quite
> different. I'm planning on taking the swift water course from the
> ACA before this adventure but I really don't want to die up
> there. Any words of caution or encouragement are welcome. Thanks.
>
> Eric.

(From memory) With majority of canyons (if not all) there are spots
(bridges, views from trail etc..) where you can check out the flow
before you commit yourself to the canyon.
>From my personal experience, the amount of water in the canyons of
the PNW brings a whole new element to the sport. Clearly I'm no
expert but, unlike dry canyons where getting stuck on rappel is not
much more then an inconvenience.. when you are under a thunpin'
waterfall you can only last as long as you can hold your breath. So,
I would say don't rush into anything... take time to check out
potential dangers and be aware that communication over the noise of
all that water is a lot tougher.
I reckon a Swift water course would be good idea and wouldn't mind
taking one myself, one of these days.

In previous summers, the ACA has taught Technical Canyoneering
courses in the PNW, one day on the cliff and one day in the canyon.
I attended the courses in 2005 & 06 and found them to be an
excellent way to 're-fresh' my skills. I also found it a nice intro
to the area, and a good chance to watch the experts in action.
I'm unsure if the course will be offered again this year (anyone?)

Hope that helps, and I hope the locals don't mind an 'outsider'
giving advise on the local canyon scene ;)

cheers big ears
joe
-who not only wears his sunglasses indoors at night, but also in
deep dark slots..

•  1
  New Files

• Pacific northwest
• Pacific northwest hiking
• Pacific northwest travel
• Pacific northwest vacation
• Pacific northwest cruise

Eric,

Sounds like a great plan.
Couple of canyons I would recommend added to the list.
Gorge creek
Thorton creek
Snoqualmie river
Silver creek
Couple other suggestions. If your short on time.
Skip Rock creek.
Oneonta is not being decended due to a voluntary closure.
Skip Devils creek if short on time.
Mabye by the time you arrive, Big creek will be finished.
As far as camping in one area and not moving around...
Not as of yet, the established canyons are spread out.
A good plan would be to Camp at the Gorge and do Eagle creek.
Drive to Rainer and camp, do Summit creek, Edith creek, Davis creek,
and summit creek.
Good camping at the summit creek campground.
Do Snoqualmie and then drive to Silver creek.
Heaps of good camping near Silver creek.
Drive to the North cascades, do Gorge creek and Thorton creek.
Lots of good camping near by.
My two cents...
I would be happy to show you some of my favorites this summer.
Stay in touch, let me know if there is anything else that would be
helpful.

Rob
--- In pnwcanyoning@yahoogroups.com, "Eric" <ericgodfrey@...> wrote:
>
> OK, so I am trying to come up with ideas for what canyons to hit
on
> my trip up there in August and am looking for suggestions on any
> changes I should make, and how I will get the best bang for my
buck.
>
> Right now lets say I have eight days off, two days for driving (it
> will probably be around a 10 hour drive from SLC) leaves six days
for
> canyons. I don't really want to spend the entire trip driving for
> miles and miles to make sure I hit all the very best canyons. I
plan
> on making multiple trips over the years so I'd rather concentrate
on
> one area and not have to move camp every day.
>
> So day one, drive to Oregon and camp somewhere in the Columbia
River
> Gorge (any suggestions on good places to camp?).
>
> Day two hit up Oneonta and whatever we have time for in the
> Starvation Creek area.
>
> Day three hit up Eagle Creek.
>
> Day four, pack up camp and drive up to the Mt. Ranier area
(possibly
> stopping off at Rock Creek and hitting up the "best" section since
it
> sounds short). Big Creek is on the way too, but it's still in the
> seven undescended section, sounds like it could be really good,
> anyone planning on doing it this coming season? Any suggestions
on
> where to camp near Ranier?
>
> Day five do a canyon near Ranier.
>
> Day six, do another canyon near Ranier. So I have two days near
> Ranier, but there are multiple canyons to choose from, what to
do?
> Any suggestions? Summit looks good, Cortright looks good, Unicorn
> seems to be done a lot, and a Devils Creek/West Quartz Creek combo
> looks really good to.
>
> Day seven, do Davis Creek Canyon.
>
> Day eight, pack up and drive home.
>
> Also anyone willing to show some young punks a thing or two about
> these wet canyons you have up there (anyone would be welcome on
our
> trip, especially the experienced locals). Any of these canyons
going
> to pose a problem for us? We have done our fair share of Utah
> canyons, but I'm sure they are quite different. I'm planning on
> taking the swift water course from the ACA before this adventure
but
> I really don't want to die up there. Any words of caution or
> encouragement are welcome. Thanks.
>
> Eric.
>

•  1
  New Files

Rob's suggested itinerary would be good to follow. It'll maximize
your time and offers a great tour of the area.

Oneonta is absolutely a no go. Land managers are very sensitive
about this one. We could find future new route development in the
area severely restricted if we're not careful. Like Mike said, the
hike up to the falls from the bottom is not to be missed.

We've camped at a couple of sites in the Columbia River Gorge over
the years. All are near the railroad tracks (river, tracks, road,
cliff) but the best one is at the entrance to Eagle Creek. It's up
off the road and relatively insulated from road/railroad noise.

If you don't have much experience in moving water a swift water
course would be a good idea. Those raging torrents can be pretty
unforgiving.

I'm teaching another Technical Canyoneering course in Seattle this
summer. Probably be late July or early August this year. I will also
be running a few courses here in Colorado May - July which will
include swift water. If you're interested ping me sideband.

Charly

•  1
  New Files

Thanks for all the suggestions. Sounds like Oneonta is out, but we
will try to make the hike up to the waterfall, I've looked at
pictures and it looks worth the effort for sure. I'm sure I'll be
posting again as the trip gets closer and we get plans pinned down.
Can't wait for it to start to warm up!

Eric.

> Sounds like a great plan.
> Couple of canyons I would recommend added to the list.
> Gorge creek
> Thorton creek
> Snoqualmie river
> Silver creek
> Couple other suggestions. If your short on time.
> Skip Rock creek.
> Oneonta is not being decended due to a voluntary closure.
> Skip Devils creek if short on time.
> Mabye by the time you arrive, Big creek will be finished.
> As far as camping in one area and not moving around...
> Not as of yet, the established canyons are spread out.
> A good plan would be to Camp at the Gorge and do Eagle creek.
> Drive to Rainer and camp, do Summit creek, Edith creek, Davis
creek,
> and summit creek.
> Good camping at the summit creek campground.
> Do Snoqualmie and then drive to Silver creek.
> Heaps of good camping near Silver creek.
> Drive to the North cascades, do Gorge creek and Thorton creek.
> Lots of good camping near by.
> My two cents...
> I would be happy to show you some of my favorites this summer.
> Stay in touch, let me know if there is anything else that would be
> helpful.
>
> Rob