Helena Creek

Helena Creek is the much more reserved younger sister to Asbestos Creek on the opposing side of Clear Creek. While Asbestos tumbles down the steep southern alpine slopes of Whitehorse Mountain, Helena features a much larger catchment but a much more moderate grade and a handful of rappels, making for a pleasant mid to late summer half day trip. The canyon is surprisingly committing with steep towering walls, deep shimmering pools, and many large boulders that have crashed into the creek bed from the crumbly canyon walls. Catch the canyon at just the right time in the early afternoon, and the sun will illuminate the many deep pools (be sure to bring a pair of goggles to check out these pools!).

Helena Creek uses the same parking area as Asbestos Creek (48.19140, -121.57558). From the parking area, walk 0.7 miles south on the road (A shuttle would save 10-15mins of walking but is not required). At 48.18346, -121.57889, cut down the hillside and cross Clear Creek (knee deep). Climb up through the brush on the south side of Clear Creek until the forest opens up and becomes mostly flat. Continue in the same direction for about half a mile, following the path of least resistance in the open forest until you get close the to rim of Helena Creek (48.18209, -121.57020). Turn to the right and traverse along the rim of the creek, eventually moving down the hill to the drop in point (48.17999, -121.56748). Total approach distance is 1.42 miles and should take an average of 1-1.5 hours.

R1: DCL - 40’ from unlinked bolts through a narrow chute. In higher flow, it is possible to bypass this rappel by traversing DCR at the tree line and rappelling or jumping into the deep pool below. R2: DCR - 35’ from unlinked bolts. This rappel puts you directly in the flow and can be quite pushy early in the season. It is possible to down climb and jump into the pool DCL of the water course. R3: DCR - 12’ from a single bolt on a boulder (directly after R2). This pool is not deep but has been shallow jumped. R4: Helena Creek Falls - 95’ from unlinked bolts on top of the giant boulder in the center of the creek. An optional 25’ traverse is possible from two unlinked bolts located on the front side of another large boulder further back in the creek. This rappel is the highlight of the canyon. The rappel begins with an awkward start into a short free hang, followed by a sloped rappel into the deepest part of the canyon. The water is not concentrated and it is fairly easy to find good footing in normal flows. There is no hydraulic at the bottom. R5: 25’ from a log in the center of the creek. R6: 45’ from a single bolt in the center of the creek. This anchor puts you directly in the water course.

After R6, creek walk 0.35 miles until the confluence with Clear Creek. Turn left and walk up Clear Creek about 200’ where the creek splits / bifurcates. Cut up into the forest on the north side of the creek and pick the path of least resistances 0.2 miles back to the road. Walk several minutes back to the cars.