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Winter rock climbing in Washington

Original Post
chillwinston · · Moab, UT · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 75

Hey guys, my school break starts February 18.
I noticed that the mp vantage page says "Vantage is one of Washington's great winter crags." Can anyone point me to any others? What's most likely to be the warmest/driest at this time of the year and what temps can I expect?
I'm from Vancouver, BC.. I've looked into going to Smith, but it looks like it's about as cold there as it would be in Washington. Would smith rocks be worth the drive?
Thanks hopefully this was coherent - I've been through a long job application spiel.

Ethan Henderson · · Washington · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 602

Vantage is great in the winter as long as its sunny + low wind. We just climbed there with a predicted high of 39 and a lot of people had t shirts on. Tieton is another option though its a bit colder than vantage.

Smith will probobly be about the same.

blakeherrington · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2006 · Points: 1,113

If it is dry, go to Index. It faces south and is on the warmer side of the mountains and low elevation. It's rarely too cold, just too wet. If you have a few days and Index is wet, I'd go to Smith. It will be 5 hours beyond Vantage, but the decrease in souvenir hand-holds is worth your time behind the wheel.

Ethan Henderson · · Washington · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 602
blakeherrington wrote:If it is dry, go to Index. It faces south and is on the warmer side of the mountains and low elevation. It's rarely too cold, just too wet. If you have a few days and Index is wet, I'd go to Smith. It will be 5 hours beyond Vantage, but the decrease in souvenir hand-holds is worth your time behind the wheel.
+1 for index.
If its dry its worth it.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Pacific Northwest
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