Mike North and myself descended Camp Creek in the Columbia River Gorge this morning. The weather was gorgeous, and we were stoked to get in some waterfall action!
The first two waterfalls did not have anchors established. We installed bomber anchors for those two falls, as well as replaced the anchors on the lower two falls dropping into Herman Creek.
The third waterfall, which is described as having a poor anchor location (and believe me, it was seriously sketchy perched high on a very exposed point above the waterfall). This is now obsolete, as we cleared some brush away from a bomber tree on the opposite side of the creek, perfectly in line with the rappel. The rope will run under the log that crosses the pool. We rapped double strand, and a 60 meter rope will just make it to the bottom with a few feet to spare. Super clean pull, and perfect spot for the anchor!
The last rappel which is immediately after the third which I just described, was chocked full of debris. I put myself on rappel, and down-climbed slowly picking the debris out of the way to make for a safe rap down the waterfall. It is good-to-go for now, and is a lovely rap into Herman Creek. We got seriously soaked, as there was a lot of water coming off that falls. Thank you wetsuits!! The water is pretty high in Herman, and required a short swim from the pool downstream to less deep water. Make sure you have flotation in your packs, as there is a bit of a hydraulic going on here.
We had lunch in a beautiful sun-kissed spot, geared back up and made our way downstream. We decided (after the fact) that we bailed too early from the creek, as we had a very strenuous and steep climb back up to the trail. We now now know that you need to go all the way downstream until you hit a side creek coming into Herman on the right side. Start your way up here, and stay about 100′ from the creek and just pick your way up to the trail to the very tall waterfall you passed on the way in.
A great day out in the wilds!
Jeff Waugh
Natures Wild Photography
www.jeffwaugh.com
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Southern Canyoneer
Looks alot like the stuff we do in Western North Carolina. Great stuff and wonderful pictures!
Deagol
I was lucky enough to be able to see the Columbia River Gorge last fall and it was very very pretty. We were just there as hikers, but the canyoneering potential was obvious to me. So different than anything I’ve ever done… I would love to get back up there.
Jeff Waugh
Be sure and look me up when you do!!
Deagol
Sweet. WE have some friends in Portland & Vancouver, Washington, who we would love to introduce to this sport….. but not sure if they would really be into it. But even so, I would love to revisit the area with gear and the right people.. Need more vacation time..
Jenny
What a lovely report and photos, Jeff. Thanks!
Dan Ransom
Beautiful photos, thanks Jeff. Love to see more!
Jeff Waugh
Thank you Dan! We’ll keep em’ coming!
Blake Merrell
WOW! I love these pictures. Thanks for posting. I can’t wait for the day when I get to do some canyoning in Washington.
Jeff Waugh
Let me know if you make it up this way, i’ll be happy to show you around. There are literally hundreds of canyons up here in the most lush, beautiful settings imaginable.
ratagonia
Sweet, thanks Jeff.
Tom
Jeff Waugh
Thanks Tom!!