Fivemile Creek

Not a serious objective, but a very short mini-canyon close to Horsethief Butte. Creek likely can pack a punch during the spring run-off, but flow diminishes substantially heading into summer and eventually dries up. Nice location for a little practice - particularly in combination with Eightmile Creek down the road. Creek is located close to Horsethief Butte - a popular area to train for rock climbing (and rappelling).

Take I-84 to exit 87 at The Dalles. Turn left off the exit and cross the bridge north over the Columbia River. Head north about 3.5mi to a T-jct and turn right onto Hwy 14. Follow Hwy 14 for 1.9mi to a large unsigned pullout on the south side of the highway. There is room for several vehicles. From the pullout walk carefully east along the shoulder of Hwy 14 for about 0.1mi. On the far east side, look down to note the culvert where Fivemile Creek passes underneath Hwy 14 and empties into a concrete flume which channels the creek south for a hundred feet or so before dumping into a small hidden canyon. Downclimb a loose rocky slope DCL of the flume and follow a small path to the top of R1. (Dropping directly into the flume looks fun, but might be slippery / dangerous with any flow.)

R1 comes immediately at the south end of the flume.

At the bottom, continue down the drainage, avoiding a large thicket of poison oak, to reach the bottom of the local valley. Exit the drainage DCR and gradually head westward on a rising traverse. Make your way upwards wherever is easiest to return to your car. Beware loose rock as the slope is somewhat steep in places.