This is a short video of a backpacking trip up to Siouxon Creek in Washington State. Amboy and Chelatchie Prairie were always towns that we drove through to get to the lakes and Mt. The path parallels its namesake for roughly 7-miles before leaving the creek for good. backpack: Siouxon Creek + Upper Siouxon Trail hike. Hike by WTA Correspondents: Go just about another .2 mile and look for a trail junction on the left, which goes downhill to some nice campsites. ‘Siouxon Loop’ (Sou-sawn) is the term unofficially assigned to the series of trails which begin and end at the Siouxon Creek trailhead. The bridge over Siouxon Creek: How to get there: NEW! There are four of them, spaced throughout the trip and each unique. The beginning of the trail is unmarked but soon after embarking, you’ll arrive a sign letting you know you’re headed the right way. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 45.94652, Cross the bridge made out of logs and head towards the main waterway in the area, Siouxon Creek. The trail to Siouxon Falls, Chinook Falls, and at least three other waterfalls along the way, starts from a subtle trail sign three miles before reaching the main Siouxon Trailhead on FR 5701. The other option on this CD is to come from the Siouxon Creek valley. It has incredible diverse terrain, creek crossings, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls and clear pools around. The first few miles are a quiet walk through a classic fern-dotted, mossy forest. While waiting for the alpine areas in the mountains to be snow-free, we decided to spend more time at Siouxon, staying for three nights so we would have time to do more exploration. We will not ford the creek. From the trail, you get excellent views of the clear running waters of Siouxon Creek. Siouxon Creek isn’t … 7:50 Meet at the Gateway Transit Center. The trail begins to parallel the road again as the main trailhead approaches and it has narrowed and become rockier in places in these last couple of miles. The hike using the cut through at Wildcat Falls is 8.2 miles and the backtrack from Wildcat Falls is 9.8 miles. Wildfire: Trail closed to protect the public from hazards caused by fire. The Hike In Washington That Takes You To Not One, But TWO Insanely Beautiful Waterfalls. After 1.2 miles, turn left onto paved Road 5701. Siouxon Falls and Chinook Falls are two of the spectacular waterfalls along the way. Pass the Horseshoe Ridge turn-off a mile after the junction with the main trailhead. For a longer hike, park at the hairpin corner on NF-5701 about 0.7 miles north of the intersection with Calamity Peak Rd. From the trail, you get … Turn right on NE Healy Road (becomes FR-54) at Chelatchie continuing 9 miles to a fork. You can observe the creek rushing briskly over boulders, plunging over cascades, and collecting in deep emerald green pools (aka swimming holes), which are all accessible from the trail. Although this gently rolling creekside ramble is one continuous trail, an adventure in three parts awaits. 396 map. During the rainy winter months this low-elevation getaway provides a splendid display of a temperate old-growth forest. Climbing Siouxon (pronounced Sue-sawn) is a difficult task regardless of which trail head you select. The Siouxon Creek (pronounced sou-sawn and rhyming with Tucson) is situated south of Mt. The trail here follows the creek 3.9 miles to Chinook Creek Falls, where a cold ford turns back most hikers. There are no food resupplies available until Chelatchie at mile 69. Trail #130 continues up Siouxon Creek, but follow Trail #130A up Chinook Creek for about a quarter mile to view the beautiful Chinook Creek Falls. Enjoy the view from the log bench after crossing the creek or drop down the spur trail for a more complete view. Rating: Difficult, 7.7 miles, 1,615 foot elevation gain Hike Description: Siouxon Creek Hike At three miles, cross the main trailhead and start the second part of your journey. Some of the Portland area’s finest old growth forest is located in this drainage and the Siouxon Creek Trail runs through a prime sampling of the area. WA, Hike #7 Siouxon Creek. Extensive stands of Douglas fir tower over the giant stumps of western red cedar that used to dominate the forest. Emerald green waters, huge trees, lush understory with moss and ferns, and really great hiking trails are just some of the things you'll find near Siouxon Creek in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The trail narrows after the first mile and around the second mile, you’ll navigate a rocky creek crossing, easier in late summer than in spring when the snowmelt makes the water level higher. The trail widens and becomes more traveled here. St Helens, but we had never really looked around. This is a partial loop hike along Siouxon Creek, located east of Amboy. 3 reviews of Siouxon Creek Trail "Siouxon Creek is a popular trail for trail biking and walking. Besides that, most people will enjoy the absolutely beautiful hike surrounded by gorgeous waterfalls. To get there from Portland, take I-205 north to Hwy 500 East. Just a half-mile further is the highlight of the hike. Siouxon Creek Trail is one of the best trails in the northwest. Access is gained via two primary options. The trail follows along the pleasant, forested valley of Siouxon Creek nearly the entire way. Some of the Portland area’s finest old growth forest is located in this drainage and the Siouxon Creek Trail runs through a prime sampling of the area. Turn around here to repeat the three-part excursion or consider turning off onto Horseshoe Ridge on the way back for elevation and additional miles before returning to Siouxon Trail and the way you came. It was just another really beautiful hike along a beautiful river on a warm cloudless day in March. The trail is well graded and is not difficult in terms of elevation gain, which makes it ideal for families. In the second section, hikers find Siouxon Creek and fellow waterfall seekers, and the final miles offer more solitude and small narrow canyons with more waterfalls to enjoy. Location: 45.960637, -122.135739. Continue along the creek about .4 miles to the next bridge which is above Horseshoe Creek Falls. A sturdy wooden bridge over West Creek awaits shortly after a descent from the trailhead parking. Siouxon Creek for my first backpacking experience; Siouxon Creek 11 April 2014; Siouxon Creek playground; Siouxon Creek Trail To Chinook Falls 7.7.13; Super green lushness at Siouxon Creek 5/12/13; Siouxon Creek Trail (April 14) Siouxon Creek 3/15-16/13; Siouxon Creek 08-21-2010; Siouxon Creek 4-28-2010; Related Discussions / Q&A . The canopy covered trail will lead you past a variety of waterfalls. Negotiate the ankle-deep ford at the outlet, and pick up the trail. Click for PDF Directions Map of this Hike . You’ll descend back into fern, clover, and moss-covered environs before climbing back above the creek. Veer left on FR-57 / Calamity Peak Road for 1.2 miles, then left again on FR-5701. Take exit 30 from I-205 north or south in Vancouver. The trail parallels Siouxon Creek for about 3 miles, until reaching Calamity Creek. The hike in to camp is 4 miles, and we are leaving early on Friday to be able to find a nice site. I prefer backpacking and primitive camping compared to car camping. A short distance away the trail intersects trail #140 again. 130 sign pointing the way to Huffman Peak turnoff (1 mile away) and the main Siouxon trailhead in 3 miles. Following trail 129 to Huffman Peak eventually goes back down to Siouxon Trail 130, completing the loop. You’ll arrive at Horsehoe Falls in another half-mile past this turnoff. The Siouxon Falls is two miles in on the trail, which is a beautiful waterfall that plunges 30 feet through a narrow cleft into a pool that is great for swimming in the summer. From the first access point on below the first switchback on Forest Road 5701, the trail parallels the road and passes the ruins of Hickman's Cabin. They are the ones with short flat needles and a drooping top sprite. The first is a long and sequitous shuttle on logging roads with a 1.5 mile descent on foot. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The Siouxon Creek Hike is a great, but crowded, initial foray into this roadless area. After 9.2 miles bear left at a fork heading uphill onto Road 57. This last week my car has been broken down so I only got one hike during the week. Water Hazard. Leaving on Saturday afternoon the parking lot was full and people were parked along the street. Campground: Government Mineral Springs - access to the southeast corner of the Wilderness and … Once on the trail, you start on a rapid decline that brings you to the first of the many streams along this hike. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association Be forewarned there are a number of “gottcha” potholes and dips along the last 10 miles to the trailhead. This is a steep uphill trail that later descends back to the Siouxon Creek trail. And incidentally—the name Siouxon rhymes with Tucson. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. St. Helens in the wonderfully vast Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The forest here comes with all of the wonderful attributes you expect to find in an old growth setting: big trees, clear water, and an understory so lush you could imagine spending a lifetime just taking it all in. Trails and Rivers. Siouxon. Some people continue forward and ford through the creek to continue up the Wildcat Trail to get to the beautiful Wildcat Falls. Location: 45.960578, -122.115784. 8:00 Depart. Just shy of 2 miles from Siouxon Falls and 7 miles from the start, you’ll cross 14-Mile Falls either on two log bridges when the water is higher or stepping across its still slippery rock base at lower water levels. Many people hike to the bridge over Chinook Falls, which is not only gorgeous, twice as tall is Siouxon Falls, and pours wide over the rock ledge, but is also a great place to turn around because the creek crossing at this point can be knee deep. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. On a nice, late summer day I hiked in a hidden gem of an old-growth forest. Seattle, WA 98104. We started our hike on a Friday afternoon, the parking lot was about half full. For the more daring, another ford through the deep water at Wildcat Falls crossing to return to the trail makes for a shorter trail length. The understory is lush and the waters of Siouxon Creek collect in deep, inviting pools of green and blue. There are numerous camp spots- all varying in level of privacy and water access and some are large enough to entertain multiple tents. If you’re especially fond of hiking trails that end in waterfalls, you’ll love the Siouxon Trail. No Driving Necessary: 10 Great Portland Adventures Via Mass Transit, From the Titanic to the Twisted: A Guide to Some of America’s Best Old-Growth Hikes, The Backbone Path: The Underrated Joys of Ridgeline Hikes, Road Tripping the Pacific Northwest Coast, The Timberline Trail: Circumnavigating America’s Most Picturesque Peak. The forest is an attractive combination of 100-year-old post-forest fire regrowth and ancient snags, both upright and fallen. Calamity Creek crosses the trail and spans about 20 … Siouxon Gorge. Jaime Weber. Ancient forest frames Siouxon Creek’s green pools and waterfalls. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This wide stream crossing can be tricky in early season; use caution on the slippery rocks. In the second section, hikers find Siouxon Creek and fellow waterfall seekers, and the final miles offer more solitude and small narrow canyons with more waterfalls to enjoy. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. -122.1778, Live like a Portland local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Drive 3.7 more miles to where the road ends at the trailhead. There are two places to start the trail. This hike takes you into far less traveled country, but also with beautiful creek views and more interesting waterfalls. Hard to say, fun to paddle.The Siouxon (Soo-Sun) is a less frequently paddled, hike-in run that has lots of class IV whitewater as well as some impressive waterfalls with both paddling and portaging options. You’ll begin to see dispersed campsites and colorful tents dotting the creekside. There are many spots to sit and reflect on the beauty around you as you are swayed by the music of the river. During the intense heat of August and September, the creek You can see the results as you head up towards Siouxon, this is a small logging town. Begin hike. backpack: Siouxon Creek + Upper Siouxon, Wildcat & Chinook hikes This is my third backpacking trip to Siouxon Creek this year. The low grade of this hike makes it accessible for hikers of all experience levels. The Siouxon Creek Trail wanders through beautiful old-growth forest. Dispersed camping is abundant in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Siouxon Creek drainage (pronounced sou-sawn and rhymes with Tucson) is situated south of Mount Saint Helens in the wonderfully vast Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Siouxon Creek drainage (pronounced sou-sawn and rhymes with Tucson) is situated south of Mount Saint Helens in the wonderfully vast Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Location: 45.959742, -122.116299. Travel along this road that soon becomes highway 503. Fri, Aug 14, 2020, 8:30 AM: I am a very beginning backpacker, and leading my first backpacking trip. Continuing on the Siouxon Creek Trail, cross the slick-rock base of 14-Mile Falls at 3.9 miles, then turn left at the signed junction. The only concern would come with the creek crossings, which are not kid friendly and may make some hikers uncomfortable, though the water only comes up to most hikers’ knees. It may be rainy, but the fall colors and waterfalls will look all the more mystical. No offense to TLC, but in Washington, chasing waterfalls is one of our favorite activities. Look for a plain trail marker on the left side just after a pull-out on the right after a hairpin right turn. Soon I reached my destination, 50-foot Chinook Creek Falls, a lacy waterfall dropping over a rocky ledge. It’s an easy trip that’s great for beginners or those getting back into the swing of backpacking. We came across the Siouxon a few years ago when I was looking around the local area for new spots. We plan to meet at New Heights Main and carpool to the trailhead. Please bring adequate food (including lunch), water and clothing for the conditions. Turn east onto SR-500, turning into SR-503, for 26 miles through Battle Ground and Amboy. St. Helens National Monument Headquarters, turn right onto NE Healy Road. General Information Directions: From Carson, WA follow the Wind River Road north for about 13.5 then miles take a left on Mineral Springs Road (Forest Road 3065).. To get to Trapper Creek Trailhead take the first right on Forest Road 5401.. Trailheads/Trails that access Trapper Creek Wilderness. So I was really needing to get a long mind clearing solo hike. At about 0.7 miles, look for a plain trail marker on the left side just after a pull-out on the right after a hairpin right turn. The Siouxon Trail connects with Huffman Peak Trail #129, Horseshoe Ridge Trail # 140, Chinook Creek Trail #130A and Wildcat Trail # 156. Photo by James Arwood. The path parallels its namesake for roughly 7-miles before leaving the creek for good. The junction of Chinook Creek Trail #130A is just up ahead, with views of Chinook Falls from the wooden bridge. If the log bench is taken, grab a seat at one of the other natural log benches nearby. Siouxon Trail. The trail followed the Siouxon (rhymes with Tucson) Creek for four miles before crossing a foot bridge. My first backpack of the year at Siouxon Creek… if you follow my posts every year, you’ll notice that this is one of my favorite places to go in the spring. Once you step into the trees, you’ll see the Siouxon Trail No. The trail will have its ups and downs as you follow the green, turquoise and copper creek as is slowly meanders through the valley. Although a bit out of the way, this is a popular hike. It is a beautiful second growth forest watershed with a lot of hemlock. Continuing along, at about 5 miles from the start of the Siouxon Trail and 2 miles from the main trailhead, arrive at picturesque Siouxon Falls. The forests around Siouxon Creek were burned in the Yacolt Burn of 1902. Photo of Siouxon Creek. The Siouxon Creek Trail is one of the best year-round hikes in the Portland area. The trail heads down into the forest about 100 feet before the end of the road. You are likely to have this section of trail to yourself as you descend moderate switchbacks in a fern and moss-splashed forest. The first few miles are a quiet walk through a classic fern-dotted, mossy forest. The trail narrows again after passing Siouxon Falls and you’ll be treated to small canyons and rock outcroppings above the trail. Although this gently rolling creekside ramble is one continuous trail, an adventure in three parts awaits. Just past the Mt. Amboy has the St Helens monument offices and an abandoned mill. Siouxon Creek is a popular hike, be aware of other trail users; There are several campgrounds and established sites along the route. However, this hike is all about waterfalls. Enjoy the autumnal splendor on a waterfall hike. Hike the Siouxon Creek trail under shady fir and cedar forest. Make a left to stay on Hwy 503 North, through the towns of Battleground and Amboy. Cross a sturdy wooden footbridge over Siouxon Creek’s narrow chasm, and parallel Chinook Creek to the plunge pool below 50-foot Chinook Falls. If you’re not quite ready for lunch to turn around, continue along the trail for the third part of your outing. Carpool to trailhead with bathroom break if needed; 9:45 Arrive at Siouxon Creek Trailhead. Southwest Washington -- Lewis River Region, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Adams Ranger District, Day Hiking: South Cascades (Nelson - Mountaineers Books), https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5161065.pdf, Buy the Green Trails Lookout Mountain No. Portland, Siouxon Creek is well known in the area for having easy access, miles of nice trails, good camping spots scattered along the trail, and many options to make side trips. Siouxon trail 130 heads east to Chinook Creek trail 130A, which goes north to Siouxon Peak. The trail described above takes you to some of the main waterfalls in the area. 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