First Buttress  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  1,798. Good page?    Administrators:  grk10vq, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  grk10vq on Apr 21, 2011 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue 59° | 34° 66° | 39° 66° | 41° 72° | 39° 73° | 41°

Attempting the crux

Description 

This is a good sized crag at Kootenai, with a decent amount of varied climbs and rock. The climbing here ranges from 5.6 to 5.13 with a large concentration of routes in the middle range. Trad routes are available as are sport lines.

Getting There 

This area is the first crag of rock you encounter after hiking up the main trail. There is a trail to the base that leans toward the west. When you approach this crag, you will see a flat rock pointing towards the creek. On your right there will be a couple of obvious big boulders, the trail begins there. The trail will take you to the base of the routes where War Pigs, ,11th Commandment, and Fire Drill start.

The Classics

Featured Route For First Buttress

The Cowboy Ejector Seat 5.12d  MT : Kootenai Canyon : First Buttress

The Cowboy Ejector Seat climbs through the intimidating and giant overhang on the first buttress. The climb breaks down into two sections as follows: The first section is very fun and juggy climbing which overhangs about 40 feet and goes to fixed draws hanging just below the lip. If you can climb this section it clocks in at around 11b/c and is worth doing by itself. The second section is the short but difficult crux. Clip the last bolt and get a good rest on some positive holds, and th...[more]   Browse More Classics in MT