SMC Creek

SMC Creek is located within the Snoqualmie Tree Farm (private forest land) in King County, Washington. Sourced by SMC Lake, one of the three Crown Lakes within the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area, it is a tributary of the North Fork Snoqualmie River. The segment of canyoning is located where the stream descends the Moon Wall escarpment—about 1,200 ft (365 m) vertical in 0.3 mile. Waterflow analysis indicates that SMC Creek has approximately half the average flow volume of nearby Rachor Creek, and twice that of Change Creek. Based on collective knowledge of those two creeks, SMC Creek may be less exciting than Rachor Creek but will likely provide several good months of canyoning opportunity from spring through fall.

From North Bend Bar and Grill, drive north on Ballarat Ave N, which turns east and becomes SE 108th St, turns north and becomes 428th Ave SE, and turns northeast and becomes N Fork Rd SE. At Ernie's Grove, the road forks—stay left on N Fork Rd SE to go up the hill. The pavement ends, and N Fork Rd SE makes a sharp left switchback and becomes NF-5700. The road passable in a passenger car as of November 2016, although there are some large potholes. After 2.5 miles, a major road intersects NF-5700. Gate 11 is on the right; park near the intersection, but do not block the gate. Driving directions From Gate 11:

According to a report on NW Hikers, the creek descends 70-80 ft (21-24 m) from the plateau, makes a hard turn to the left, squeezes itself into a steep slot canyon for 20+ ft (6+ m), and emerges from the slot into a series of tiers which descend for another 40-50 ft (12-15 m). Per second report, a team descended this section in 2023 then exited above SMC falls. Three tiers: 29 ft (9 m), 56 ft (17 m), and 33 ft (10 m). The sneak approach brings you directly to SMC falls. R1 down canyon right: 45 m R2 center right horizontal log: 15 m R3 Boulder down Canyon left: 15 m. We chose the boulder in order to rap under the rooster tail, but it's awkward to get on rap here. Walk under bridge R4 down canyon right: 25 m R5 horizontal log down canyon right: 40 m R6 down canyon right: 10 m R7 center canyon between the split of the river: 40 m

Soon after descending Lower SMC Falls, the creek passes under the access road for the Black Creek Hydroelectric Plant.