Porkchop Buttress

BETA PHOTO: This overhanging boulder problem lies slightly dow...

Description 

Porkchop Buttress is a good option if you have found Misery Rocks to be too crowded. This area is wonderful on those summer days when the East Bluff is just way too hot. The moves on the climb are tenuous and the cliff offers an excellent view of the Lake. Perhaps one of the best 5.5s in the park, The Bone cuts directly and boldly up the center of the tall and exposed Buttress. This area has become more popular after the inclusion of The Bone in a recent Rock and Ice article.

Getting There 

Go up the West Bluff trail from the South, and turn right on the "off-ramp" as if you were going to Misery Rocks. Continue below Misery and head North across the talus and leaf filled Misery Gully. Then, cross a short exposed step across. You will now be at the top of Porkchop.

You can also approach from the bottom of the bluff. At the second cottage from the north, find a very faint climbers trail that heads directly up the bluff to the base of Porkchop. Along the way, you will pass Double Elephant (V4), an intimidating overhanging prow. You may be able to see the cliff from the cottage.

The Classics

Featured Route For Porkchop Buttress

The Bone 5.5  WI : Devil's Lake : ... : Porkchop Buttress

The Bone follows the slanting inside corner on the right (north) side of the obvious "Porkchop" face. Start out on the manhole cover sized chockstone at the base of the route. A few strenuous moves will get you into the inside corner. Follow the corner up to a converging overhang at about 30 feet. Climb through the gap in the center of the overhang, then follow a crack for about ten feet to a ledge. Carefully traverse right on the ledge for ...[more]   Browse More Classics in WI