Canyon (Canyoneer) Montana

The Knife Edge

Suppose you’re looking for a nice, relaxing canyon with good views. The Knife Edge could be your ticket to win it. Located near the Syiah Creek pull-off, canyoneers will find a pleasant approach and an even better exit with a nice view. A car shuttle will make this canyon more enjoyable, but keep in mind this canyon is more about the views of Logan’s Pass, and not its actual characteristics. If you do not heed its warning, it may be a very unpleasant and dangerous canyon. In flow, this canyon can only be done in one pattern. In dryness, this canyon offers two descent options, one enjoyable. The other is dangerous, unpleasant, and difficult. Choose wisely, and pack your cut-resistant rope, it got its name for a reason.

Stats:

3A/C1 I* (V3A1 I*)

Time needed: 2 - 4 hours

Number of rappels: 3 - 4

Number of down climbs: 0 - 3

Longest rappel: 90 feet

Distance round trip: 1.46 miles

Elevation gain/loss: 449 feet

Significant hydraulics: None

Special recommendations: Bear spray

Season: July - October

Getting there:

From West Glacier: Immediately jump onto Going to the Sun Road (Glacier route 1 road) and follow it over Logans Pass. Continue past the pass and down the winding road. You will shortly run into a pull off for Siyeh Pass trailhead, pass this and follow it down the road to a small pull off found at: 48.68882, -113.66764

Leave your shuttle car here and turn around. Go back up to the Siyeh Pass trailhead and park here. This is the start of the approach.

The approach:

From your car, jump onto the Siyeh Bend Cut off trail (Also known as Siyeh pass). Then follow it for exactly .99 miles until you reach a flattening bench and a creek that drops to your right.

Walk down the creek bottom. There are handful of down climbs which may prove very exciting in flow. Though this canyon does not flow year round and is less pleasant dry.

Continue until you reach the first big drop, indicated by black webbing on a tree DCR. Time to throw on a harness!

The fun part:

Looking across to Logans Pass you are at your first drop.

Rappel 1 (40 feet from a tree DCR): Rappel down the already slung tree into the watercourse. This rappel is more like a technical staircase. Be wary of the loose rock.

Pull your rope, you’re at your next drop. Which also happens to be the crux.

Rappel 2, Option 1 (80 feet from a tree DCL): If there is no flow and you want a nasty challenge, rappelling the direct watercourse will provide an experience not quickly forgotten. Rappel from the tree into the awkward v-shaped slot. Then walk out onto the ledge below, this next edge is a hazardous obstacle and is not suitable for beginners or intermediates. Slowly work your way over the razor-thin edge wondering if your life insurance plan is up to date. This rappel is an overhang that is an inch or two thick. Additionally, this also means there is nowhere to put your hands and feet. Do not underestimate this rappel. Parties should consider rigging a guided rappel for all but the first victim. Do not attempt this rappel in flow. You will certainly induce injury or death.

Rappel 2, Option 2 (55 feet from a tree DCR): For those who want a more pleasant experience, choosing the tree away from the V-slot will provide a safer alternative. One may need to rig webbing here or use a ghosting method. This rappel still contains loose rocks, but this fall line is far more manageable than its counterpart. Rappel down the loose wall into the broken-up staircases below.

Pull your rope, high-five that your rope isn’t core shot, and continue down the drainage.

The canyon will bend left. Then it will drop again. This is rappel 3

Rappel 3: (25 feet from a tree DCR): Ghost the tree to your right and down the smooth pour-over. Pull your rope and walk down the pseudo-slot.

Shortly after the third drop, you will run into a spicy down climb. In flow, one may rig this as a rappel from some trees DCL. If not in flow, choose your poison. We went through the rabbit hole. You may not.

The exit:

Continue down the canyon until the rock begins to show signs of water sculpture. This indicates the end of the canyon. The road will cross you, choose a bank and scramble up. Hey! There is your shuttle car to the left. You are done.