Prospector Creek

A quick shortie canyon destination where Prospector Creek flows through a narrows into the Washougal River. While only having one rappel, there's some beautiful bedrock, deep pools, jump potential, and a fun place to explore on a hot summer day. It's a mellow hike in and out on an ATV trail. Prospector might be combined with other destinations in the area (ex: Three Corner Creek).

From Hwy 14 in Washougal, WA take the Washougal River Road north to Dougan Falls. Continue on the same road, now good dirt/gravel, for another 8.3mi to a T-junction. Turn left and continue 1.4mi to where a new logging bridge crosses Prospector Creek (might be dry in summer). There is a parking area/campsite just before the bridge. Drive-time is about 1hr. Behind the remains of the old bridge which once crossed the creek here, hike the ATV trail about 1mi to Prospector Falls. There are two creek crossings along the way, plus you'll pass the remnants of two more older bridges back when this was a road. Easy walk that takes maybe 15min.

DCR = Down Canyon Right; DCL = Down Canyon Left. Jumping is a major cause of canyon accidents. Always scout the pool first. Just because it was a great jump last year... At the end of the old road (the ATV trail continues on), drop down an obvious user trail to the top of the falls. Take your time and make your way down the bedrock to a boulder garden / logjam near the confluence with the Washougal River. Expect a little scrambling in here, but it's not hard. Upon meeting the Washougal, make your way upstream to find Washougal Falls. There is another deep swimming hole right before the falls with more jump potential from ledges. Another fun place to explore.