Little Goose Creek

Little Goose Creek is a fun canyon in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Although it is not very technically difficult, the canyon is quite scenic. There are at least two rappels, although you may end out doing more depending on water level and your comfort. There are many cascades that can be downclimbed, wading, and a few short swims. Full wetsuit required. Creek seems to sport reasonably high water into August. The creek was still cold in mid-late August 2017, suggesting it may be spring-fed. Expect to encounter non-canyoneer hikers at the upper falls on summer weekends. There is an unofficial trail that follows along the south rim of the canyon providing access to the bottom of R1 and R2. Adventurous hikers may sometimes descend to the top of the narrows.

Parking options: From the pullout above, follow a user trail into the forest along the south side of the creek. Go a few hundred feet and locate a steep dirty scramble trail (scramble down or rappel) that drops immediately into the drainage below the bridge. R1 is a few minutes walk downstream.

Expect a long stream walk with much tedious rock-hopping below R2. There are some interesting columnar basalt formations on the north side of the canyon. Keep heading downstream through a number of short downclimbs. After what seems like much walking, the nature of the creek suddenly changes as it drops into a tight narrows. Use caution as the area ahead could be dangerous in high water conditions. Escape would be very difficult within the narrows. There are two obstacles immediately ahead: Low or Moderate Flow: Downclimb the 12ft ramp DCR, cross the watercourse and rappel from a rootball (DCL) wedged atop the 35ft drop. High Flow: Climb up 20-30ft DCR on a mini-ridge and rappel from a tree (50ft) to bypass both obstacles. Exit the pool and make your way down through a beautiful section of narrows with a few more easy downclimbs to eventually reach the confluence with Trout Lake Creek.