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Elevation: 851 ft
GPS: 45.0196, -92.67417
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 139,691 total · 634/month
Shared By: randy baum on Feb 8, 2006 · Updates
Admins: Doug Hemken, James Schroeder, chris tregge, Ben Strobel
Warning Access Issue: Open with restrictions: DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Steep sport climbing in the large amphitheater near Willow Falls. Some of the steepest stone in the Midwest. Most climbs tend to be endurance fests on large holds. Climbs range from 5.11 to 5.13 and harder. This area is best for the 5.12 and up climber, although there are a few 5.11's. Approximately 25 routes total. Do NOT rappel from the overlook above the climbs. Across the river from the huge roof area is another cliff face that has bolts, rangers are not pleased that these bolts exist so don't climb there. Access is somewhat tenuous, so don't give the rangers any reason to close Willow to climbing.

There is also a big river that is right next to the climbing so you can pack your day of climbing and also a little whitewater. All and all it will be fun.

PLEASE DO NOT TOPROPE OFF OF THE FIXED ANCHORS AT WILLOW RIVER!

If you plan to TR after leading something, use your own draws for this. The anchors are showing signs of the increased traffic. If you see biners at the top of a climb that are worn or do not open and close properly, please replace them!

Getting There Suggest change

Its in Hudson, WI.

Take exit 4 off of I94 and follow the signs to the park. Go past the main entrance to the small parking lot about 400 yards further. Follow the trail down the long gradual hill and to the bridge where you'll see the amphitheater.

Please note the trail just off the bridge that accesses a small path avoiding the water is closed. There have been 5 accidents so far this summer with non climbers following people up the trail and falling, so the rangers blocked off the path with a chained tree. They are working to make access easier that avoids the water as well.

Access Restrictions

Suggest change
September 15 - May 15 (fall/winter/spring)
Climbing is open all day for every day of the week except for Saturday. On Saturday, climbing is prohibited.

May 15 - September 15 (late spring/summer)
Climbing is open all day for every day of the week except Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Friday and Sunday, climbing is only allowed 6am-Noon. On Saturday, climbing is prohibited all day.

See this photo for the official park rules.

51 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: Willow River State Park Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Willow River State Park

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V-easy 3 A0
 18
Bolt Ladder to Upper Deck
Sport, Aid, Boulder
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 50
Link Up
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 68
Daily Grind
Sport
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 79
Sudden Shock
Sport
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
 37
Sudden Daydreams
Sport
5.12b/c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 60
Natural Selection
Sport
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 16
Midsummer Daydreams
Sport
5.12c/d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 25
Couch Time
Sport
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 28
Genesis Effect
Sport
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 17
Tsunami
Sport
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c
 18
Hurtful Pleasures
Sport
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c
 14
Brass Monkey
Sport
5.13b 8a 29 IX+ 30 E7 6c
 5
Mono Mercy
Sport
5.13b/c 8a+ 29 X- 30 E7 6c
 7
Dry Lightning
Sport
5.13c 8a+ 30 X- 31 E7 7a
 4
Requiem
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Bolt Ladder to Upper Deck
 18
V-easy 3 A0 Sport, Aid, Boulder
Link Up
 50
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
Daily Grind
 68
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport
Sudden Shock
 79
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport
Sudden Daydreams
 37
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a Sport
Natural Selection
 60
5.12b/c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
Midsummer Daydreams
 16
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Sport
Couch Time
 25
5.12c/d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
Genesis Effect
 28
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
Tsunami
 17
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
Hurtful Pleasures
 18
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c Sport
Brass Monkey
 14
5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c Sport
Mono Mercy
 5
5.13b 8a 29 IX+ 30 E7 6c Sport
Dry Lightning
 7
5.13b/c 8a+ 29 X- 30 E7 6c Sport
Requiem
 4
5.13c 8a+ 30 X- 31 E7 7a Sport
More Classic Climbs in Willow River State Park »

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