Deeks Creek

GETTING THERE

From BC-99 in West Vancouver, drive 19 miles towards Squamish. The best parking is just on the south side of Loggers Creek Bridge (49.4998, -123.2474) which is about 0.3 mile south of where Deeks Creek crosses BC-99. There is no parking at the Deeks Creek bridge.

APPROACH

Hike the popular Deeks Bluff Trail and drop into the creek at ~1,000 ft just above a scenic jump and slide pool. This route includes the best part of the canyon. Optionally, for a slightly longer route continue up the trail and drop in at ~1,150 ft. This adds two short rappels but is not recommended.

DESCENT

In moderate and low conditions it is a lot of fun to rappel directly in the waterfalls. But if there are high water conditions any of the rappels can be done completely out of the water.

EXTENDED START

• Optional Rappel 1: 10 m from logs, can be easily bypassed
• Optional Rappel 2: 10 m from logs, can be easily bypassed

STANDARD START

• Jump and slide area that can be bypassed
• Rappel 1: 15 m from a tiny tree DCR (Down Canyon Right) directly in the waterflow, or dry rappel from a tree DCL (Down Canyon Left)
• Rappel 2: 15 m from a log into the gap between twin streams flowing around a chokestone
• Water Capture Dam. Please do not disturb this facility as it is a micro-electric generator feed pipe. The outflow is near the end, under a residential home.
• Rappel 3: 25 m from an anchor DCL at head height. Check out the MASSIVE CAVE on Climbers Left.
• Rappel 4: 20 m from an anchor on large flat rock. Mostly free hanging.
• Rappel 5: 15 m from a boulder back from the edge. The pool is shallow—do not jump.
• Rappel 6: 12 m from some trees DCR into a notch. Other options are available. 

EXIT

Walk the creek to the highway and then walk 0.3 mile to the cars. 

EQUIPMENT

Standard canyoning gear, a thick wetsuit, neoprene booties, helmet, kevlar gloves, webbing, and replacement quick links. 

TRIP PROFILE

• Rappels: 6-8
• Longest Rappel: 80 feet
• Approach: 1.1 mile
• Exit: 0.2 mile
• Time: 3-5 hours

NOTES

• This canyon is rated v3a3 II from June through September (before fall rains).
• On the approach, do not confuse the Deeks Bluff Trail with the Deeks Lake Trail which begins about 800 meters further north from the proper parking lot.
• For updated information and recent trip reports from the community, visit the Deeks Creek web page on Ropewiki.

Information for Leaders

Considerations for travel to Canada

• Start by reviewing the latest regulations. Look for information on border crossing and travel to Canada on these websites:
  
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation)
  • Government of Canada
• Everyone must have a passport or other valid ID like a NEXUS card.
• NEXUS cards can save a lot of time but only work if everyone in the car has one.
• Make sure your vehicle insurance is valid for Canada.
• Make sure your health insurance is valid for Canada.
• Border crossing regulations are strict in both directions. Know what you’re allowed to take and declare everything to avoid problems.
• You may be able to save time by checking alternate border crossings.
• See the Travel Industry Council of Ontario's 9 Travel Tips for Crossing the Canadian/U.S. Land Border blog post for some good tips on traveling to Canada.

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

• Difficulty: Basic Canyon
• Length: 2.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 800 ft

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 7
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12