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Elevation: 1,701 ft
GPS: 48.6267, -122.4159
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 10,101 total · 71/month
Shared By: michael faith on Jun 30, 2012
Admins: Jon Nelson, Micah Klesick, Zachary Winters
Warning Access Issue: No Trespassing DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

The area is named for the cave-like talus formations that bats call home but hikers will likely know it as Oyster Dome. Here you'll find Bellingham's closest multi-pitch routes on the highest quality rock in the area.

Getting There Suggest change

From I5 take Alger Exit (#240). Go .4 miles until Barrel Springs Road is found. Turn left onto Barrel Springs Road and travel .7 miles where a gravel road cuts right, sporting a Blanchard Hill Tailhead sign. Follow this gravel road as it winds to the right, around a ridge and past a 40 foot tall overhanging grey cliff band and past a large parking area on the right. You will then follow the gravel road as it winds to the right, around a ridge and past a 40 foot tall overhanging grey cliff band on the right. Just after passing the cliff band m turn left onto another gravel road with an open gate at its start. Follow this gravel road to its end (known as hang glider's lookout). At the roads end, you an park anywhere as long as yo stay out of the way of the hang gliders. There are two trailheads located here. You will not want to hike the one that starts in the trees unless you want the long way to the Bat Caves. Instead, follow the trail that starts on the west or ocean side, of the parking area that sports a Bat Caves and Ice Age sign at its start. The trail will start in the clear cut.
Bellingham->Trailhead: 15-20 Minutes.
Trailhead->Bat Caves: 30-40 Minutes.

These days Chuckanut Drive is on Google's Street View so, if it's your first time, you can scope out the trail head's appearance before you go. Also, the trail can be viewed on Google Maps.

1 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at The Bat Caves

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 5
Hanging Loose
Trad 3 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Hanging Loose
 5
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Trad 3 pitches
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