Fir Creek

A fun half-day canyon that pairs well with Rock Creek up the road. This canyon features some cool carved potholes and, at higher flows, some technical whitewater that adds some sporty fun. The canyon is short with back-to-back rappels in the main sequence. While technically straightforward, there are multiple hanging potholes, potential foot entrapments in the rock that require caution and confident rappelling in higher flows.

Driving Directions From US-101, drive west on Skykomish Valley Road for ~5.6mi before bearing right at a junction onto Govey Road (aka FR 23 or FR 2353). Follow the road steeply uphill; it becomes a good dirt road shortly. From the junction, continue another 2.5mi. After a hairpin turn in the road (where the road crosses Fir Creek), park at a pullout next to a gate on the left. Do NOT block the gate; you will be ticketed or towed. Foot Approach Walk through the gate about 100 meters, and, when the slope looks less steep, bushwhack east down to the creek. Alternatively, walk down the road past the hairpin turn and find a spot along the straight stretch of road to cut into the brush down to the creek, spending about 20mins. creekwalking to the first rappel.

Depending on your preference there's a couple of exit options to choose from: Continue down Fir, and change out of canyon gear near the junction of Vance Creek. Then follow it upstream about 0.8mi to a bridge. Then hike the road 1.2mi back to your car. This route may not be possible when Vance Creek is running high. In summer, the creek runs quite low and it is easily waded. There are many dry braided channels on either side of the main watercourse. Half way to Vance Creek exit Fir on the right, and bushwhack uphill to meet the road. It's steep and bushy, but creek-to-road is 25mins. A short bushwhack from Vance Creek up to an old logging road. Note: this is a very thorny option, and takes as long as the Vance Creek exit.