Chikamin Narrows

An interesting fault-crack in the northern end of the Wynoochee River Valley. Beautiful and photogenic, but lacking a bit in technical interest.

Walk up the road a short distance past a local highpoint on the right, then drop down through open forest to enter the creek just above R1. If you find the right spot, you do not need a rope to get into the creek.

Expect a number of downclimbs and nuisance rappels which are not listed in the beta. You may do more or less rappels based on comfort. Jumping is a leading cause of canyon accidents. Be sure to check all pools ahead of time. Inside the narrows:

You know you're drawing near the end when the canyon walls fall back and a small waterfall (unnamed minor tributary) enters DCR. There's also a gigantic old-growth log that's fallen across the creek here. Go downstream perhaps 100 yards, then scramble out DCR onto a mini-ridge which provided relatively easy access up the bank into open forest beyond. Head generally southwest wherever is easiest, staying just south of the aforementioned mini-tributary. You can avoid thorny devil's club and swampy areas by staying on higher ground. When you spot the road above, just turn south and ascend directly to it. Walk back up the road to the pullout.