I spent a very pleasant day with Bob visiting Bell Creek Canyon near Mt Wilson.
We entered the canyon via the usual route – from the RFS building at Mt Wilson, along the fire road and then crossing Du Faurs Creek at the usual start for Clatterteeth Canyon. Then we climbed up the other side. There was a faint track at times, but this vanishes in the thicker scrub at the crest of the hill and some navigation is needed to find the start of the ridge down to Belfry Canyon.
Bob in Belfry Canyon
Belfry Canyon is short and pleasant and a good way to reach Bell Creek. At the start of the canyon is a drop that needs a short handline. And then a dark narrow section of canyon. Lower down is a very cold swim.
The brings you to Bell Creek at a nice open rainforest section. To get to the lower constriction of Bell Creek you need to walk downstream for about 20 minutes. On the way, you need to scramble down two boulder blockups. These are not too difficult – but do require care.
We stopped for lunch at a nice shady spot between these boulder blockups.
We were both carrying lilos, and I inflated mine at the start of the constricted section. Bob continued on with his lilo in his pack. A lilo is an encumbrance getting it through log jams, but sure makes the long cold pools a lot nicer. Also a lilo gives you a good observation platform for you to appreciate the amazing beauty of this section of the canyon.
The pools start off short, but get longer as you pass through the canyon. The last pool is quite long indeed and is mostly deep water.
After that, the canyon opens up somewhat. But the walls are still very high. The character is very different to what is upstream but still very beautiful.
The last 100 m or so before Bell Creek joins Du Faurs Creek the creek opens up even more and there are passes out on both sides. At the junction, I went a little downstream to take a few photos, then we headed up the lower part of Clatterteeth Canyon in Du Faurs Creek to exit via Joes Canyon.
This was a very pleasant day of canyoning. More photos are online here on my website.