Northwoods Creek

Something of a seasonal creek located just outside Northwoods, WA. The creek has a bit of a hike in & out, but is likely a good one for beginners with competent leadership. The flow seems to become low and beginner-friendly in May. More experienced folks might like to hit it in higher water conditions. Creek is probably not worth visiting in late summer. Area seems to be visited by hunters, so wearing bright colors on the hike in may be a good idea.

Follow the road upward through a giant clear cut ("leave no tree behind!"). Map and GPS useful here as there's a few side-turns and it's easy to walk off down the wrong spur. On entering the woods at the top of the clear cut, reach a junction and go left. Go left at the next junction. This road quickly becomes overgrown, but push on through and persist until you reach the end of the grade. From here, make your way down-slope to the east wherever is easiest. You will reach a small stream first. Follow this tributary downstream until it intersects the main creek just below a small boulder garden. This is a good place to suit up.

From the drop-in, just follow the creek downstream back to the car. Northwoods Creek is somewhat unique for the amazing amount of bedrock which has been completely swept clean of rocks and other obstacles. Virtually from the drop-in all the way to the top of R6 is one continuous swath of bedrock. Makes for some very mellow, pleasant creek walking. Most of the drops on Northwoods Creek are low angle... we've tried to guestimate the vertical height, but sometimes more rope will be required for the rappel given the horizontal distance involved. Be aware when rigging. Not far below R8, reach a dumped bullet-marked sports car in the middle of the drainage. Yay.