Canyoneering South Fork Snoqualmie Creek, PNW Fest

South Fork Snoqualmie could easily be considered the "Pine Creek" of the Pacific Northwest. The similarities are striking. Easy access, densely packed with action, and fairly straightforward technically. What's more, they both have highways running literally on top of them.

Steven Arhart on the Franklin Falls rap.

My experience in wet canyons is limited, having only been in a canyon with flow one other time. Snoqualmie was the perfect introduction. After pulling off Interstate 90, we suited up and made the horrendously long approach to the drop in. All 90 feet of it.

The first falls and jump in Snoqualmie. Steven exploring under a little alcove. Water was blistering cold.

The first jump is 12 feet, into an ice-cold pool, with a nice falls cascading in from above. Immediately, the clarity of the water and beauty of the canyon impressed me. But Steven found the depth of the pool to be far more interesting, and immediately jumped in. Let the games begin!

Mama Arhart all smiles after a “better-than-coffee” jump into Snoqualmie.

After the first jump, the canyon gets narrow for a little ways, and the scenery impresses. Beautiful clear water, tumbling cascades, and dozens of deep emerald pools. The canyon ebbs and flows with character. Sometimes steep and narrow, other times flat and casual. Waterfall rappels are quickly followed by exciting jumps. Snoqualmie has a little of everything.

Mike Cutcliff tentatively traversing a beautiful cascade and pool.

Mike soaking up some rays in an emerald pool.

Steven enjoying the view in a section of calmer waters.

Steven is the master of impromptu freestyle canyoneering. Extra style points for the log traverse and jump into another beautiful pool.

The “Oh!” face. Yeah, that’s cold.

Tom makes the jump as well, trying to keep his contacts from freezing in place.

The first 30 foot rappel into a swimmer. Tom on the ropes.

Jane on the Franklin Falls rappel. Notice the striking similarity to Mystery falls in the Narrows. There’s even a crowd…

Snoqualmie's defining feature is definitely the rappel down Franklin Falls. The falls are a popular destination for dayhikers, and today was no exception. A field trip of elementary school students watched with much excitement and anticipation as the first ropes appeared, soon followed by some crazy canyoneers. Jane recieved a hero's welcome, with awestruck students crowding her, bombarding her with questions. It was quite the scene.

Tom watching his edge on the Franklin Falls rappel.

Roger Arhart making his way down the 70 foot rappel.

Franklin Falls, in all it’s glory. And I-90. Equally glorious.

And one more of the falls, just for scale.

Bob Madsen, on his way down.

Mike emerges after a jump.

Airwalkin’ Tom.

Air gaspin’ Tom.

Steven, showing us how it’s really done. I gave him a 9.4.

Steven doing his spiderman thing, always finding some pool to jump in.

After Franklin Falls, the canyon stays wide for awhile, with a few little downclimbs, and the canyon lulls you to sleep, as if the party's over. But then, the canyon shuts back down again, and a beautiful narrows section emerges, with vertical golden walls and interesting downclimbs. I know I've said it a few times already, but the scenery is just spectacular. The final section of canyon is full of jumps and a couple of rappels, and just like that, it's over. Good thing, Roger needs some beer, and I need some sleep...