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Cottonwood Creek Falls Climbing

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Elevation:	6,841 ft	2,085 m
GPS:	43.146, -122.05332 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	170 total · 13/month
Shared By:	Winston Mueller on Nov 1, 2023
Admins:	Winston Mueller, Micah Klesick, Nate Ball Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

Huge approach to a 60 foot waterfall that freezes in the winter. Scenic multi day ski tour, awesome views of Thielsen and a great multi day winter trip into the Mt. Thielsen Wilderness.

Possible to sling trees and setup a top rope/rap into the falls to asses. This venture is definitely for the committed.

Getting There

Take your pick at gearing to the Thielsen Creek Trail (good luck finding it in winter, save a map). Follow what would be the Thielsen Creek Trail on skis or snow shoes to the saddle between Howlock Mt. and the north face of Mt. Thielsen. Pick a shot through the lowest point of the Sawtooth Ridge and ascend here passing what used to be the Lanthrop Glacier to your right (west). Once peeking over the ridge choose a line down the eastern cirque of Mt. Thielsen. This can be negotiated on terrain 35 degrees or less if you pick the right line. You will now be in Cottonwood Creek Basin. Descend to the tree line at the bottom of the cirque traversing a flat glacial bowl to the south and find your frozen waterfall.

Total approach is around 8 miles ONE WAY with around 2,100ft of elevation gain and loss. (Obviously double that for your round trip).