French Cabin Creek

The technical section of French Cabin Creek is very brief and consists of an 8’ jump followed by a 15’ jump, then one 80’ waterfall rappel Into a large and deep pool with multiple ledges up to 30’ high from which to jump. There is a substantial section of creek walking before and after the technical section. The creek has been thoroughly invaded by diddymo, a thick brown algae that is extremely slippery and makes the creeking very tedious. Situated within Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Kittitas County, Washington, it flows into the north end of Cle Elum Lake (reservoir). The descent begins at 3,146 ft (959 m) elevation and ends at 2,302 ft (702 m).

Note: NF-4308 and NF-4310 are subject to seasonal closures. Check with Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Cle Elum Ranger District for current road conditions. From Cle Elum, drive north on WA-903 to the north end of Cle Elum Lake. Turn left on NF-4308, cross the bridge over the Cle Elum River, and proceed 0.6 mi. Turn left on NF-4310 and proceed for 0.3 mi to the bridge over French Cabin Creek. This is the exit of the canyon; leave a vehicle here. From the exit parking area, drive another vehicle on NF-4310 0.3 mi back to NF-4308. Turn left and proceed up the road 2.75 mi. Just beyond the intersection with NF-4312, turn left onto a crude road to the entrance parking area. Follow the short road southeast and drop into the creek.

'Much of the canyon consists of time consuming downclimbing over slick rocks.