Canyon Creek (Oregon)

Current Status: Closed. This creek was overrun by the Beachie/Santiam Fire in Sept 2020 and has been closed. Please check on local closures before planning a trip to this area. When the area eventually reopens, use extreme caution when descending the creek. Between landslides, fallen trees, and loose rocks, this area may be unstable and dangerous for years to come. The canyon may have changed dramatically. Do not rely on the beta below being accurate. Update May 2024: The Canyon Creek Recreation Site is still closed. Another nice creek in the vicinity of Elkhorn, OR. Canyon Creek would be a first-rate creek if: 1) a shuttle was possible up to the top, and 2) the good bits were closer together. As it stands, plan to spend at least an hour bushwhacking and following logging roads up to the top. There are also some long creek walks between the rappels. That said, when Canyon Creek is good, it's really good. Some of the narrows likely would be quite dangerous in high water... there is no escape. Canyon Creek Falls is also a joy to rappel. While it has a somewhat high pay-to-play, there are much worse ways to spend a fine summer's day.

Area roads are gated by the timber company who owns the land, so a hike up to the top from the Canyon Creek Recreation Area is required. The recreation area is day-use only. This area is hugely popular with families in the summer, so plan to arrive early to get good parking. Be prepared for some reasonably serious bushwhacking on the approach. Canyon Creek has an entry fee. Bring a map and GPS to stay on track. Figure out where you need to go ahead of time. Entire approach takes about an hour for seasoned adventure thrashers.

Drainage is a bit overgrown and unimpressive at first. Head downstream to the top of the first falls. The first three rappels come in quick succession. Head downstream 5min to reach the main line of Canyon Creek. A short slide (3ft) leads into a deep pothole. The canyon swings right and narrows up. There is no escape until after R6. First Narrows: Walk ahead for awhile through some nice bedrock. Second Narrows: Walk ahead through some nice bedrock steps and pools. One short slide. Continue downstream perhaps 0.5mi. Third Narrows: Another 0.3mi of creek walking. Just when you think you're done, the creek slots up again one last time. Fourth Narrows: Continue 5-10min to the North Fork Santiam River.

Where Canyon Creek dumps into the North Fork Santiam, cross the river and walk back up the hill to your car.