The Bend  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  11,629. Good page?    Administrators:  Peter Franzen, Kristine Hoffman, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  andyf on Mar 10, 2007 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Seasonal Bird Closure MORE INFO >>> The lower Tieton crags (Royal Columns and the Bend) are closed for raptor nesting beginning February 1 each year. Depending on nest location and success, the closure can be lifted as early as April or as late as July. Details at www.washingtonclimbers.org/Climbing/tieton.htm This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

BETA PHOTO: The Bend

Description 

Originally dubbed "The Crackhouse," the Bend is a small paradise for 5.10 tradsters. There are scores of fine finger and hand cracks, including some two-pitch routes. There are only a few sport routes, although one of them (Tragically Hip, 5.11c) is one of the best pure arete liebacking routes in the state.

Somewhat remarkably, the Bend was ignored for years by Tieton climbers. The first recorded exploration didn't happen until 1987. Most of the 70 or so routes were developed in a two-year flurry that followed.

Getting There 

About a mile west of the Royal Columns, perched above a bend of the river.

Park in a gravel lot next to a metal Quonset hut (WDFW parking decal required), or on the shoulder of the highway if you don't have a decal. From the parking area, follow an obvious trail west to a suspension footbridge over the Tieton River, then turn left on the Tieton Nature Trail. After a short distance, take a right fork up to the cliff.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Bend

Pure Joy 5.10c  WA : Tieton River : ... : Bend West

This route was so absurdly good, it just had to be added to the database. A left leaning fingercrack leads to one beautiful fingerlock after another. In an area stacked with quality climbs, this route stands apart. One of many three star routes put up by Andy Fitz and Ed Mosshart. ...[more]   Browse More Classics in WA

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The Bend, Tieton River Canyon

The Bend