Bear Creek

GETTING THERE

From Monroe, drive east on Highway 2 for 20 miles to the town of Index. Turn left on Index-Galena Road and drive for 12.2 miles until you reach Bear Creek Falls (47.89284, -121.38175). Park in a small pullout suitable for 2-3 cars on the right (south) side of the road.

APPROACH

From the road, find a use trail down to Bear Creek Falls on the North Fork Skykomish River. Cross the river in the shallow gravel below the falls (about knee deep) to reach the Bear Creek confluence. Bushwhack up the east side of the creek until you reach the drop-in at (47.8799, -121.3788).

DESCENT

• Rappel 1: 40 feet from unlinked bolts DCL (Down Canyon Left)
• Rappel 2: 35 feet from unlinked bolts DCR (Down Canyon Right)
• Rappel 3: 80 feet from unlinked bolts DCL

Hike down the creek for 0.6 miles to reach the next rappel.

• Rappel 4: 25 feet from single bolt DCL
• Rappel 5: 80 feet from single bolt DCR
• Rappel 6: 70 feet from unlinked bolts DCL
• Rappel 7: 15 feet from webbing on a logjam

EXIT

Continue hiking down the creek for a few hundred feet to the confluence with the North Fork Skykomish River. Cross the river the way you came and make you way back up to the cars.

TRIP PROFILE

• Rappels: 7
• Longest Rappel: 80 feet
• Approach: 1.1 miles and 600 feet elevation gain
• Exit: 5 mins
• Time: 4 to 6 hours total

NOTES

• Bear Creek is rated v3a3 IV from mid-August through September.
• For the most updated information and recent trip reports from the community, visit Bear Creek on ropewiki.com.

• Suitable Activities: Canyoning
• Seasons: August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Basic Canyon
• Length: 2.3 mi
• Elevation Gain: 600 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12