Shift Creek v4a3IV***

!!! WARNING !!!!               !!! WARNING !!!!                !!! WARNING !!!!

In Nov 2017, the 2m wide slot (R15 & R16) was completely blocked by a log jam, caused by a huge slip. 

However, it has been slowly clearing out over time. As of Jan 2020, R14 is passable, although there are a few big logs. R15 is now a scramble over a log jam, and R16 is also passable, with a rappel through a log jam. Although this section was passable at the time of this update, all parties must assess the state of the log jams at the time of thier descent, and if necessary, set up an escape line as reccomeneded in the topo.  Thank you to Daniel Penney for this update and photo. 

Highest drop 28m

Public access

6h30

Arguably the best intermediate-level canyoning trip in the Top of the South. It is enclosed and committing. There are several large, spectacular rappels and a few jumps thrown in to keep it fun

Download the Shift Creek Topo (post log jam update)


6 Trip reports Log your trip

  1. Adrien Paris says:

    The canyon is all good to go. We updated some anchors. R3 R5 and the top of the bid double has now chain anchors. And changed a Sling on TL in the lower section.
    The recent flood made some pools a bit deeper but unfortunately it wasnt powerfull enough to clear the big log jam at the end of canyon. Still doable tho.

    • Date -17/11/2024
    • Water level -high
    • Anchor conditions -we did some repairs
    • Group size -4
    • Time: approach/descent/return (eg: 1hr/4hrs/3mins) -1h40/4h/45min
  2. Amelia Penfold says:

    Awesome trip with Gavin, Andrew and Will. No wasp stings on the way in! Took us about 4hrs to descend, all anchors in good condition. R16 has collected more logs again, probably passable but we went off a tree on TR instead. Careful of loose rock and sharp edges abseiling from this side!

    • Date -21/01/2023
    • Water level -normal
    • Anchor conditions -All in good condition
    • Group size -4
    • Time: approach/descent/return (eg: 1hr/4hrs/3mins) -1hr 30mins/4hrs/1hr
  3. Sid Tinney says:

    Great trip with Leo/Oli/Grace/Pepijn. Cruisy walk in under moody skies with only 1 wasp sting. All anchors in good condition, with landslip-affected drops now passable using standard anchors (no need for a fixed line). The R16 abseil through the flow in the logjam was possible, but there’s still plenty of log debris upstream which could jam it up again.

    • Date -7/1/2023
    • Water level -normal
    • Anchor conditions -All in good condition
    • Group size -5
    • Time: approach/descent/return (eg: 1hr/4hrs/3mins) -1:30/3:30/0:45
  4. Adrien says:

    We checked all the anchors, added the nut on R5 and changed a few of the webbings on anchors. All anchors are good to go.
    For R16 we recommend to abseil on a tree on TR, be careful of rock falling and rope abrasion, but looks definitely safer than abseiling through the log jam and water …
    Super sleepery

  5. Adrien says:

    We checked all the anchors, added the nut on R5 and changed a few of the webbings on anchors. All anchors are good to go.
    For R16 we recommend to abseil on a tree on TR, be careful of rock falling and rope abrasion, but looks definitely safer than abseiling through the log jam and water …

  6. Chucky says:

    Update by Daniel Penney, 4 Jan 2020.

    R5 anchor has a bolt with a missing nut.

    Anchors in situ are 10mm stainless tru-bolts. Please bring a nut, spanner (probably a hanger) and some linking material to repair this anchor if you are visiting.

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