Large basalt/rhyolite wall located on the East side of Mount Hood with 35+ traditional routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.11+. There are lots of nice cracks here that take protection very well. A standard rack will do the trick on most all the routes. Pay attention to the wood signs that point out the Non-Climbing areas. DO NOT CLIMB IN THESE AREAS! This is due to an endangered plant species and there is a good relationship between the NFS and the climbing comunity.
Getting There
Take Hwy. 35 South from Hood River for 23 miles to a dirt pull out on the East side of highway. 10 minute approach heads uphill to the base of the wall.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Pete's Pile:
PITCH 1: 5.11a - 100 feet of fun, steep crack that keeps getting harder as you move upward. The overhanging crux leads to bolted anchors.PITCH 2: 5.12a - 60 feet of steep to very overhanging finger/hand crack. Fun and Dynamic movement thru the roof.PITCH 3: 5.10a - Move to the right, climb the steep arete clipping bolts and a few gear placements. Finish thru an overhang to the left to a big ledge with bolted anchors....[more]Browse More Classics in OR
This area is BEAUTIFUL!!!! The views are amazing and the area is very clean. The no climbing signs are clear yet they should be a bit bigger. The trail going past the no-climb are is overgrown and it may be a good idea to move it a bit downhill to avoid that area all together. Some of the routes are very mossy but overall the area is amazing!!!!
Lots of moss growth on some of the walls/routes. Not much loose rock, but the belayer would probably appreciate a helmet for some of the rock/moss/sand detritus that inevitably gets knocked loose. Sunglasses to keep the moss out of the eyes is also a good idea.
Trail very dusty mid-summer. A kind soul left a tarp to help keep ropes dust free. Necessary to keep your rope even semi-clean.
P.S This place is amazing. Innumerable thanks to the developers.
This area is decent at best with a lot of potential. Why are you locals trying to hide this??? Some more traffic would go a long way in a place like this for cleaning it up some more.
A surprising amount of newly bolted moderate routes, and plenty of cracks. Don't miss the right fork on the trail to head up to the crag.
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