Asbestos Creek

Upper Asbestos has a signature 500' multi-pitch waterfall rappel, crack traverse, big waterfalls, and rooster tails. The canyon loses 3,100 ft in over 1 mile and the Upper Upper section has still not yet been fully descended (from the confluence around 2800' has been). In high flow asbestos should only be attempted by experienced canyoneers . The best time to experience this canyon in high flow is during the Spring months (though the temperatures will be colder and weather more unpredictable). By late June/July, the canyon will likely be flowing at moderate flow and still provide a fun and non-stop action canyon for beginner canyoneers.

The bushwhacking for both the Upper and Lower is not very thick. If it wasn't for the moderate steepness and elevation gain, it wouldn't be unpleasant at all. Although long pants and gloves are still not a bad idea. There are however a number of rock faces that have to be bypassed. Typically right and occasionally head on. Stay near or slightly right of the crest of the ridge visible on the map just north of the canyon. Going too far left can lead to thicker vegetation and potentially cliff faces. (Rarely Used) Follow the pink flagging from the road. After the first major cliff band (1730ft) turn south, leaving the flagging behind. Thread a route under the next cliff band above, and climb to roughly (1850ft) where you dry rappel 100ft to R12 anchor. (Standard Approach) R4 provides a nice drop-in point at a flat canyon-side ledge. This approach offers the best pay-to-play ratio. The route to this point is flagged from the road, and the dense bush has been cut back just before reaching the drop-in. (Rarely Used) This was documented by the first few descent teams, however since the developement of the R4 drop-in is likely outdated. Use the following with caution: Bushwhack up the mountain side (on the north side) to about 2800 ft near the confluence visible on the map. Downclimb to near the low point of a piece of cliff jutting out at about 48.1929, -121.5872 just above the confluence of the Upper Upper fork and a possibly dry fork (the obvious confluence on the map). There are at least two options for entry (no webbing currently installed for either):

Upper Asbestos (from 2800' to 1800' at the bottom of 500' multi-pitch sequence): 3 short drops at top: DC 12' R or tiny ledges L Bypass a 60' cascade L (limited anchor material, should be bolted) [Good drop-in point here, as marked on the topo]. DC 20' cascade R or rap DC 35' on slabs L of falls or rap The next rappels described are the multi-pitch 500' waterfall (R7-10). It is possible to escape the canyon DCR and bushwhack downhill back to the cars after the 500' drop. Lower Asbestos: Follow the creek, walking down DCL stepy slabs. Set back from the next drop is... Bypass next 30' drop easily on DCL, or enjoy the nice little cascade.

From R18, 30 seconds down canyon to the road, parking, and beers.