Hardy Creek

Hardy Falls and Rodney Falls (aka Pool of Winds) are the main attractions on this creek. A fun shortie creek that's beginner-friendly in late-summer into the fall. Hardy Creek's flow changes substantially with the season. In full spate, water will be literally blasting sidewise out of the Pool of the Winds, whereas in late summer the flow subsides substantially.. This area is very popular with the general public, so please avoid leaving visible anchors, and help pick up any trash you should find in the watercourse. Watershed: 2.4mi^2.

Across from the parking area for Beacon Rock drive up and park at the Lower Picnic area. This is the standard trailhead for Hamilton Mountain. A Washington State Discovery Pass is required to park here. From the parking area, follow the trail 1mi to Hardy Creek. (Just before reaching the creek, note a spur trail on the right leading down to an overgrown viewing platform. This will be your exit.) At the creek, a short side-trail leads to a metal-railed viewing platform allowing you to peek in at the Pool of the Winds. The main trail descends a short distance to a footbridge. This is a good opportunity to check the flow. On the far side, follow the trail upwards until you reach an obvious junction. Go left and follow the trail north along the east side of Hardy Creek for a few hundred yards until you locate a user trail dropping into the drainage. It's a little steep, but doable. Head downstream, passing through a boulder jam (easiest way to scramble through seemed to be DCR) to R1. Takes about 5min from the trail. There are a couple short downclimbs.

Please do not leave fixed anchors below R1 as this is a high tourist area. Exit the pool through a 3ft wide crack. Use caution when climbing out as another drop (adjacent to the viewing platform) comes immediately.

From the bottom of Hardy Falls, continue downstream a short distance and, when feasible, thrash/scramble your way up & out DCL on the east side of the creek. Make your way up steep slopes until you reach a bench (old trail) that leads back down to Hardy Creek just above R3. Retrieve your rope, cross the creek, and make your way up the west side to reach the old platform. Return the way you came to the trailhead.