Summit Creek Canyon

The best part of this canyon is Middle Summit Creek, a very short but fun section that starts at Summit Creek Campground and ends shortly after Thunder Falls. For those with extra time and stamina, the full Summit Creek can be descended in one long day (12-14 hours) or broken up into two separate days for the Upper and the Lower sections. Summit Creek Campground has been decommissioned. Dispersed camping is still allowed at the old site, but the pit toilets have been removed. Soda Springs Campground is a 10-minute drive (3 miles) further up the road and is still operational. This is a great base to explore Summit and the other canyons in the area.

Summit Creek Campground divides the canyon in the Upper and Lower sections. You will need to set up a shuttle to descend the Lower or Upper sections. No shuttle needed for the Middle section, which starts at the old campground (or the bridge crossing the creek) and end ends right after Thunder Falls.

3 miles, 5h to 5.6h, 3-4 rappels max 80ft, 1st rappel is Fish Ladder Falls (about 1.5 miles from the start). 0.1 miles, adds 1h-2h, adds 2-3 rappels max 120ft. Access to R2 & R3 is possible from above with a short ~20ft rap from a tree of your choice. A worn trail along the side of the canyon shows hikers have tried to reach the top of Thunder Falls, but (hopefully) turned back. For both options, extend the pull and swim across the pool for an easier pull. 3 miles, adds 4h-6h, adds 4 optional short rappels that can be bypassed/jumped and much scrambling/downclimbing. Expect significant increase in water flow after a tributary joins.