The creek starts with a drop into a pool at the end of the approach trail. This is an optional rappel. You may rap it from bolts DCR. Or just down-climb DCL. It’s easier. 

After your vertical navigation, you will find a slippery creek waiting for you. Show off your best dance moves for the next 300 feet. The creek will bend left. This is your first drop. 

Rappel 1 (30 feet from a tree DCL over a log jam): Enjoy the free hang. 

After a brief swim pull your rope and walk another 300 feet downstream until the next drop. 

Rappel 2 (10 feet from a log jam, or 30 feet from a tree DCR): In moderate flows, you can rappel down into the pool. In higher flows, avoiding the pool may reduce the risk of hydraulic navigation. Additionally, the pool below is quite difficult to exit in certain conditions. 

Also to note. Once you complete rappel 2. You are committed to the rest of the canyon. Rappel 3 is NOT the rappel to learn that it’s too much flow. 

The next anchor is DCR on the ledge. 

Rappel 3 (May be done in two ways)

Option 1 (1 pitch at 120 feet): Rappel from bolts and go DCR. Do NOT drop down into the plunge pool at the bottom of this rappel. There is no anchor down in that pool. Escaping it may prove dangerous and difficult. 

Instead, rappel down while trying to hug the rappelling participants left. You will land on a rocky rib that separates the plunge pool from the next drop. Go DCR and follow it down to the next pool. 

This will not be a floating disconnect. 

Option 2: (2 pitches, 80 feet then 40 feet in flow from bolts): Similar to the first option. Rappel from the bolts down onto the rocky rib. NOT the plunge pool. Disconnect and carefully traverse the rib to the two-bolt anchor DCL. This traverse is a little spicy when wet. 

Then rig the second bolt station. This rappel is in flow. Rap through the slight rooster tail for 40 feet into the pool below. 

Swim out and behold the gorgeous slot that you currently stand in. Continue to work your way down the canyon. You’ll find one down-climb DCL next to a tight slot where the water rages. Soon after the canyon narrows and you are forced into the blunt of the flow. 

The narrowing canyon indicates rappel 4.

Rappel 4 (30 feet from bolts DCR down the slot): rappel into the pool below. The flow is pushy in here. Be mindful of foot placement. You will be taking the brunt of the flow force. 

Once you’ve packed your rope, enjoy the pretty slot section ahead and climb around the fallen logs. 

Shortly after the log soup, the water drops into a plunge pool. This is a slide. Please send someone down via rope to check the depth BEFORE sliding. In higher flows, this plunge pool may become a counter-clockwise recirculating hydraulic. The end of plunge pool also ends in a nasty pile of logs which may become a serious strainer in higher flows. With that...

Slide 1 (25 feet): non-technical. Enjoy the plunge. Then swim to the other end of the pool and climb on top of the log jam. Navigate these logs with extreme caution, while also crossing the water path onto the other side of the canyon. 

Down climb the logs and dip into the pool that follows.

Just around the bend, you will encounter Rappel 5 which can also be done as a technical jump. 

Rappel 5 (25 feet from a bolt station DCR): Send your strongest swimmer into the pool below while traversing the flow. You will end up in a clockwise recirculating hydraulic. Staying DCL will be your ticket to escape. If not, it will recirculate you back to the flow. This will continue to allow you to escape the current and exit the pool. 

Climb up onto the lip and use the hand line next to your head DCR. Down climb into the waist-deep pool below. 

Make sure everyone escapes the pool before moving on. Don’t drown your friends you may need them soon.

Just around the next corner. You’ll find traverse line bolts. These are for when the canyon is in high flow. Notably, the rappel bolts are above the watercourse DCR. Use the traverse line if needed. 

Rappel 6 (50 feet into a powerful hydraulic): For this rappel, send your strongest swimmer first and set the rope length perfectly. Rappel DCR is out of the flow until the end. Then rappel directly into the flow and into the pool below. In moderate conditions, this may be a bit disorienting. The flow should push you out of the narrowed pool. In high flow, this can be a dangerous boil that may be difficult to escape. 

Please add 20 feet to your pull so you may pull your rope from a non-swimming position. 

Enjoy the next pretty section. You’ll find gorgeous vegetated walls and narrow passages. 

Eventually, you will run into a pool. This is not a jump. Slowly ease into it via the watercourse, or downclimb a rocky ledge DCR. 

Continue and you’ll find another down climb that can be defeated via partner assist or walking across a large fallen log. 

The canyon will then begin to open up. Further down you will find another drop. This is the final rappel. 

Rappel 7 (35 from a tree): rap over a large boulder into more boulders. This will be out of the flow and is mostly an overhang. 

Pull your rope. And exit into a water-park esk exit. There is a jump or two. As always check depths before jumping. About 400 feet down the canyon. Your car and road will be up a 20-foot bank to your right. 

You just did Davis Creek. How do you feel? 

If you are not excited, repeat this canyon until stoke levels have risen to the appropriate levels.