Davis Creek Canyon
verified
ACA 3C
High flood risk
Randle, WA
Classic Washington basalt canyon with abundant waterfalls and short approach. The Pacific Northwest's textbook short, technical, aquatic descent.
From Randle drive 5.9 miles east on US 12 then 1.1 miles on Davis Creek Rd. The Pacific Northwest canyoneering convention of unlinked bolts and retrievable traverse lines applies; do not equalize or web the bolts. Wetsuit mandatory year round; water stays cold even in August.
Logistics
| Manager | USFS Gifford Pinchot National Forest (canyon crosses private property) |
|---|---|
| Permit | No permit required. Canyon crosses private property in places; community relationship depends on packing out trash and respecting the landowner. |
| Distance | ~1 RT (descent plus short approach and exit) |
| Elevation | ~423 ft loss on descent |
| Time | 2-6 hr |
| Technical | Grade 3C2 II (v4a4 III). 5 to 10 rappels max 120 ft. Upper Davis Falls is 80 to 120 ft in two pitches; Lower Davis Falls 50 ft is the crux. Jumps 15 to 25 ft; check depth before every jump. Unlinked bolts (do not add webbing to them). |
| Season | Jul-Sep |
| Flood risk | High. Winter and spring see massive floods every year; the canyon reshapes between seasons. Logs and boulders migrate. Reference photos from the current season are essential. |
| Vehicle access | 2WD |
| Crowd | Popular by Pacific Northwest standards; described as 'one of the best in Washington'. |
| Coordinates | 46.5454, -121.8114 |
Sources
- ropewiki: https://ropewiki.com/Davis_Creek_Canyon