Mesatchee Creek

A significant tributary of the American River located east of Mt. Rainier National Park. It's a pretty canyon with surprisingly easy access and usually good flow even in the middle of summer. You do need to cross the American River on the approach and exit (wade or find a convenient log). The waterflow checkpoint is from the trail lookout over to the main falls. If you do not feel comfortable rappelling in the waterfall it may still be ok to run the canyon, as there is a high water route on canyon left that allows you to rappel out of the water.

From Chinook Pass, head east 6.75mi to a signed trailhead for the creek. Drive in a short distance to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required. From the trailhead, follow the well-established trail about 0.9mi to where it crosses Morse Creek on a bridge. Turn south, and arrive at a crossing of the American River (usually on a log) in another 0.2mi. River was knee deep in July 2024. Another 0.2mi ahead is a trail junction. Bear left here and head uphill another 0.5mi to a viewpoint of Mesatchee Falls. At about 0.5mi further, the trail levels out. Descend steep slopes to your right into the creek. If you reach a small stream crossing, you've gone farther than you need to.

The first rappel begins at about 4150ft elevation. There appears to be a lot of loose, crumbling rock in Mesatchee. Use caution.