People driving up to Gold Bar Boulders

I was climbing at Gold Bar this weekend and saw a nice SUV parked at the Forest parking area. I know the guidebook is out of date regarding access issues, but still, it's plainly stated on Gold Bar's MP page "No vehicle access, but open to foot traffic" and the road is gated. Talking with other climbers up there it's apparently not uncommon. If there's a gate across the road and a dozen cars parked before it, DO NOT DRIVE UP THE ROAD. This should be common sense, even with the outdated access beta in the guide. MP is an excellent resource that provides access issues for nearly any area you visit and should be checked regularly.

I think this is a great way to lose all climbing access. A lot of local climbers rely on the land owners generously granting access to the bouldering areas. This is not a right, but a privilege that can be revoked at any time (like we have recently seen with vehicular access).

Let's be smart about our climbing areas and please say something if you see this.

i was up there for the first time a few weeks ago. correct me if im wrong, but wouldnt they have to have the key/combo for the gate to get a car in? if they did have gate access is it still a big deal to drive up there? just curious how it works.

For awhile, members of WCC got the code for the gate and so could drive up. But in May 2012, that was revoked. Details at

washingtonclimbers.org/Clim…

So if they have the combination, why shouldnt they be there?

Could it be somebody from DNR or Manke Timber? Not very likely, but possible.

The individuals I saw on Sunday were climbers and from out of state (saw them leaving). There is apparently a way to bypass the gate, I was told by other climbers, so I doubt they were authorized to drive to the top.

Unless something has recently changed, seeing people driving around behind the gate seems like walking a thin line regarding access.

1694kyle wrote:The individuals I saw on Sunday were climbers and from out of state (saw them leaving). There is apparently a way to bypass the gate, I was told by other climbers, so I doubt they were authorized to drive to the top. Unless something has recently changed, seeing people driving around behind the gate seems like walking a thin line regarding access.

Speaking of driving to the Gold Bar Boulders, I'd love to catch a ride there with some of you folks!

I really hope the next step in expanding the Forks of the Sky state park is the purchase of this area from Manke Timber. The walls above the boulders harbor good routes and this whole area would see increased traffic if it did not require 1 hour+ walk to the bottom of the boulders.

People skirting the gate is a big no-no. There actions could hurt our access, and it would not matter to them. Dont blame them though, they have no skin in the game.