Yesterday, a few buds and I decided to explore Dark Creek, a tantalizing stream hidden up near the headwaters of the Lewis River. After locating the Dark Creek trail (which required driving to a washout, parking, and then crossing another creek), we hiked roughly two miles to where Dark Creek plunges from a stony plateau into the depths of a canyon.
The very top of the falls complex, pouring down from the plateau is fantastic, intricately carved bedrock. Below several short drops, we encountered the uppermost waterfall on the stream, a two-tiered stunner roughly @100 ft tall (total). A short jaunt downstream, and a few short drops later, we arrived at the top of the stream's crown jewel, Dark Creek Falls. Dark Creek Falls, it turned out was a three-tiered wonder. The top tier poured into a deep pool, from there, the stream turned and poured over a lip, and horse-tailed down an overhang. (Oddly we discovered, that mid drop there was a super deep pothole mid-rappel!) Then afterward the true fun began. The bottom tier drops into a deep, dark slot! From above, I initially assumed it would be a straight-forward rappel, perhaps over a lip and onto a rocky beach below. Mid way, I discovered how wrong I was! I was looking down into a deep churning, shadowy pool that then poured through a pinch directly below. It took me some time to decide whether it looked like a safe swim (or whether there might be some hydrolic action that could potentially spin a swimmer under the falls repeatedly). Eventually I felt it looked safe enough, if I could stick to the edge of the pool, and made a go of it. It was deep and wonderful, and by avoiding the main flow (at least at this time of year), it did turn out to be relatively safe swim). After that, the stream turned a gorgeous corner, and ran over more delicious bedrock until we reached the stream's lowest falls, a basalty drop into a deep bowl. Shortly after we found the trail (a hundred yards downstream), and made quick work of the trek out! A great day with some great buds indeed!
Dark Creek Falls ~ Diving into the depths!
Re: Dark Creek Falls ~ Diving into the depths!
I am loving these reports. Very beautiful. Thank you.
Re: Dark Creek Falls ~ Diving into the depths!
Even though that's not my idea of a good time, I have to admit it does look fun, especially on a hot summer afternoon.
I have to reveal my ignorance on something: how do you know you won't get trapped half way down?
I have to reveal my ignorance on something: how do you know you won't get trapped half way down?
Re: Dark Creek Falls ~ Diving into the depths!
Thanks Webfoot and Chip Down! Chip - yeah, at least in my case, it's generally a combination of scouting, experience, and being prepared with the right tools (long enough rope, wetsuit if needed, rope bag if needed, etc.). My buddy Nick does carry a Spot device on our trips just in case though!
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Re: Dark Creek Falls ~ Diving into the depths!
What a great find, Zach! Beautiful! It never ceases to amaze me that so many gems like this are still hiding out there in the forest..!
Tom
Tom