For anyone unfamiliar with canyoning—or canyoneering, as the terms are often used interchangeably—the introduction starts here. Canyoning is rapidly following in the footsteps of rock climbing and backcountry skiing in its transition from a niche activity to a mainstream pursuit. Loosely defined, it involves the descent and exploration of canyons using a wide variety of methods, including hiking, scrambling, swimming, jumping and rappelling. Given that a lot of Oregon canyons are deep, shadowy and wet, canyoning is the perfect prescription for a hot summer day in Bend. 

The attractions are numerous, especially for those with rock-climbing experience: Canyoneers beat the heat, use existing rope skills and learn new ones, and explore hard-to-see parts of Oregon. “Canyoneering makes you feel like a little kid again. Jumping into pools, splashing in creeks and discovering places that hardly anyone goes to,” said Emily Abrams, the operations manager of the Adventure Leadership Institute at Oregon State University and an ambassador for the sport. Kevin Clark, author of the book Canyoning in the Pacific Northwest, concurs that part of canyoning’s appeal is the playfulness of it, but also noted that the physical challenges, the problem-solving and the teamwork required to overcome obstacles are attractions as well. 

Why Oregon Is a Premier Destination for Canyoning

Whether canyons are wet or dry, Clark noted, is largely a question of local geology and hydrology. Most of the canyons in Oregon are found on the west slopes of the Cascade Range and are wet or “aquatic” canyons, given the ample precipitation in their watersheds. On the east slopes, a notable example of a dry canyon is the Crack-in-the-Ground in the Oregon Outback near Christmas Valley. Abrams points out that the southwestern United States is well known for its elaborate dry canyons. Water is involved, of course, in carving the canyons through sandstone walls, but the ephemeral river flow leaves them dry for much of the season.

Why Whitewater Paddlers and Rock Climbers Excel at Canyoning

For rafters and kayakers, whitewater skills will crossover to canyoning. People with a whitewater background “will likely be familiar with reading the flow and knowing how to assess water features and hazards,” Clark said. While whitewater is definitely the common denominator between the two sports, added Abrams, rafting and kayaking are mostly horizontal while canyoning is vertical. So, people who love whitewater and have the stomach for heights are a natural fit.

Rock climbers are also well-positioned to pick up canyoning quickly. Familiarity with ropes, harnesses, anchors, and the techniques for ascending and descending ropes helps develop comfort and confidence in canyons. However, there are notable differences. For example, it’s common for rock climbers to tie a knot at the end of a rope to prevent falling while rappelling. While descending in water, knots are avoided for safety, allowing canyoners to escape quickly from a waterfall’s flow.

Essential Canyoning Gear

Much of the gear needed to get started can be borrowed from whitewater and climbing. A good wetsuit is critical, even on a hot summer day. The shade and cold water usually feel marvelous, but over several hours, thermal protection is a must. While there are canyoning-specific harnesses, a standard climbing harness will suffice. Good footwear is essential, and the stickier the rubber, the better—rocks polished by flowing water for millennia and then lubricated with algae make for tricky footing.

For those who like new adventures, don’t mind getting wet and think that canyoning might be for them, there are various levels of difficulty to get started. There is a canyon for just about everyone. 

Canyoning Basics: How to Get Started

Take a Free Online Course

Start with a free introductory course through V7 Academy.

Research Local Canyons

Learn about canyons and caves in the counties surrounding Bend using Ropewiki.

Learn From Experienced Guides

Build skills with in-person instruction from Cascade Canyon Guides or the Mazamas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canyoning