The Great Stage of Fools
Similar to Dead Goat Canyon, it is hard to recommend this canyon. Only 3 of its potential 17 rappels have been done, but this is for a good reason. The bushwhack is impenetrable. The canyoneer will surely die of blood loss due to the Devils Club long before they can put on a harness. If you happen to be made out of steel and do the whole thing, let us know. The last 3 rappels have anchors and the lower section is quite pretty, but for just three rappels, we feel bad sending you into a jungle of pain. Notably, if you are still looking to cool off. Logan Creek (the bottom of The Great Stage of Fools) has some interesting pools, low-angle slides, and rock features to play in. Perhaps you will be best suited there. However, If you’re dead set on doing this canyon, it's got a great big stage waiting for you. All it needs is the fools.
Stats:
3C1 II* (V3A1 II*)
Time needed: 4 - 7 hours
Number of rappels: 1 - 3
Number of down climbs: 0
Longest rappel: 130 feet
Distance round trip: 1.6 miles
Elevation gain/loss: 472 feet
Significant hydraulics: None
Special recommendations: Bear spray
Season: July - September
Getting there:
From the crowded area also known as West Glacier:
Immediately jump onto Going to the Sun Road (Glacier route 1 road) and follow it until you reach the first crossing over Logan Creek. There is a pull off on the right side of the road found at: 48.72476, -113.76466.
Here is the start of your great journey.
The painful part (approach):
From your parked car. Walk down into Logan Creek. If it is flowing. Now is NOT the time to be doing this canyon. Flow will prove extremely hazardous.
Follow the dry wash until the creek slowly begins to trickle. You’re getting close. Quickly the stream will turn into bed rock. Keep going until a creek comes in from the right. This is your creek and your challenge to bare. If you are looking to do the upper section, taking the left side of the creek may prove passible. Though it has not been done, and you should be prepared to fight for your life.
If you are just doing the lower section. Just climb up the creek directly. Take on the left or right banks as needed.
Eventually your run into the large rappels. They can be accessed by severe bush whacking on either side. Eventually the Devils Club will stop you, just as it did with us. Cover your wounds. It is time to gear up whoever you’re ready.
The fun part:
The rigged part of this canyon starts with a staircase rappel. You will find this anchor DCL on a tree.
Rappel 1 (40 feet, from a tree DCL onto a large ledge): Rappel down the staircase, ducking under tree branches and onto a large ledge.
Walk DCL on the ledge and find another anchor on a tree. This is rappel 2.
Rappel 2: (110 feet from a tree DCL down a large staircase): Go down the great staircase rappel into a grotto. This is a very pretty rappel. Once down. Pull your rope.
Walk down stream down climbing as needed through a very pretty cedar hollow.
Eventually you’ll find a drop with a large fallen cedar crossing it.
Rappel 3: (130 feet from a tree DCR): Rappel down under the cedar and into the crack. Fight the flow and work your way to the bottom. Then pull your rope.
Continue down canyon until you reach Logan creek. Take off harnesses here and play around in Logan creek!
The exit:
Leave the way you came! Down Logan creek to your car.
Somethings changed? let us know!