Hemlock Creek

The highlight of this route are the two 80 foot waterfall rappels that are rigged in the middle of the cascades. There is one smaller rappel also in the flow and several fun downclimbs. No shuttle, easy access, and a nearby campground at Lake in the Woods make it the perfect place to get outside and go canyoneering! Can be done with nearby Grotto Creek in one day or one weekend.

From the Lake in the Woods Camp Ground, hop on trail #1505: Hemlock Creek Trail. Hike till you see the first waterfall (R3/4) and check the water flow. From there, continue till the trail intersects a road (FS-2759) and turn to the right.

The first 500 feet of the creek from the road heading down is choked with logs and brush. Travel through the forest on creek right for 500 feet or so until the first drop. The first drop can be downclimbed until the final 10 feet which can be accomplished with a partner assist. The 2nd rappel is 80 feet and in the waterfall. The 3rd drop can be downclimbed into a short slide on creek right into a shallow pool. The 4the drop is a 50 foot rappel from a boulder pinch in the flow. The 5th and final rappel is 80 feet from a tree in the middle of the cascade.