Big Alder Creek

A nice short creek just across from Green Peter Dam with a handful of rappels in short succession. May not be a great destination on its own, but perhaps combined with other creeks in the area (ex: Panther Creek or South Santiam River Gorge) for a full day of canyoning. Likely becomes beginner-friendly in May-June. Creek is only running a trickle by July. Don't bother in late summer.

Follow Hwy 20 east from Sweet Home and turn off left on Quartzville Rd. Follow for ~5mi to large parking area at Green Peter Dam. From the parking area at Green Peter Dam, hike back down the road towards Hwy 20 for perhaps 100 yards. Look to your right to note the overgrown remnants of an old logging track leading up the hill. Cross the road and thrash up onto the old track. It's overgrown with vines at first but follow the track upwards wherever is easiest. With all the fallen logs and brush eventually it's easier just to go cross-country. Ascend slopes, then drop into the creek at about 1250ft elevation.

Big Alder Falls (R4 + R5). It might be possible to chain both rappels from the R4 anchor. Below, pass through a short narrows and while sliding is tempting, downclimb a chute at the bottom. You can also bush wack DCR to avoid the narrows if you desire.