Rock Creek (Post, South Cascades)

Another minor tributary of the more well-known Rock Creek. It enters about a half-mile downstream of Rock's technical section. Post Rock is spring-fed, and seems to support low flow well into summer. That said, don't bother with this one if you're looking for water. It's probably best for Portland-area obsessives who feel the need to run every tributary in the Rock Creek drainage. Do not expect greatness or accolades.

There are two choices on the approach: 1) If hiking, continue up the road about 0.5mi and, just past a bend in the road, look for the Snag Creek trailhead on the right. (USGS maps do not show the correct location of the trail.) The lower part of the trail is a bit overgrown and was a little tricky to follow as of 2025. It basically heads northeast along the edge of the clearcut and then is easier to find when it enters the forest just above Snag Creek. The trail then follows the ridge northwest. 2) Alternatively, shuttle ~1mi up the road to a turnaround in an old clearcut, and bushwhack your way uphill about 0.1mi (+150ft elevation) to meet the trail. The trail switchbacks up onto the plateau, gaining about 600ft, before flattening out and becoming easy hiking. Pass a large signboard where you pass from DNR land to National Forest. Small wooden posts also mark the mileage On crossing a not-so-obvious minor drainage, head downstream into Post Rock.

Leaving the trail, bushwhack down the (probably dry) drainage to the edge of the plateau and descend steep rocky slopes, losing perhaps 300ft of elevation. Keep going and persist, and, suddenly, the creek appears, emerging right out of the hillside. Springs: 45.7784, -122.0486. There are numerous sections that can be downclimbed that are not described here. You might find yourself doing more or less rappels based on comfort. Some drops can also be bypassed by bushwhacking around them (if you're into that sort of thing). Watch your step as there's a lot of loose rock in the drainage and signs of landslide activity.

Note that water levels will quadruple or more entering Classic Rock. Below the last falls it's ~1.7mi downstream to the PCT footbridge. It goes relatively quickly, however, as there's lots of gravel bars and bedrock to hike on. There's almost always an easy way forward. Throw in a couple of short narrows, boulder gardens, and logjam obstacles to keep you busy. Cool off in pools as needed. There are two features that signal you're nearing the end: Exit the bridge DCL and follow the PCT southwest. There's a short climb out of the drainage, then the route is mostly flat thereafter. Follow the trail about 0.5mi back to your car, going straight at the junction with the Snag Creek trail.