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(e) Squishy Bell

Washington > Central-W Casca… > N Bend & Vicinity > Exit 38 > Far Side > Interstate Park

Description

Squishy Bell is covered by the trees and rock face for a majority of the day, but never cold in the summer. The rock is very similar to Gritscone in perspective to size being approximately 10m tall. Squishy Bell is a great area for beginners as it is easily top-ropable and has 4 routes ranging from 5.5-5.9.

Getting There

To get to Squishy Bell, take the main trail up from Gritscone heading towards Easy Street. Prior to entering the overgrown trail to Easy Street, head up the trail to the left which is a large hill. Continue up this hill for approximately 10-15 minutes. There will be a trail that breaks off to the right into the forrest overlooking I-90. At this point, Squishy Bell is behind you and to the left if looking out over I-90. Carefully hike down the small trail which is covered by large rocks. This is Squishy Bell.

Routes from Left to Right

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 41
● Catatonic
Sport, TR
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 55
● Winter Rushing In
Sport, TR
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 52
● November Glaze
Sport, TR
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a
 22
● Sumptuous Bits
Sport, TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Catatonic
 41
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport, TR
● Winter Rushing In
 55
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport, TR
● November Glaze
 52
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport, TR
● Sumptuous Bits
 22
5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a Sport, TR

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Far Side Topo
[Hide Photo] Far Side Topo
Squishy Bell (sharper full size)
[Hide Photo] Squishy Bell (sharper full size)
Squishy Bell from atop Eastern Block
[Hide Photo] Squishy Bell from atop Eastern Block
Squishy Bell with Richard at the top of Sumptuous Bits
[Hide Photo] Squishy Bell with Richard at the top of Sumptuous Bits

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Brett Thompson
Washington State
[Hide Comment] Good crag to take a beginner to. Easy to teach the basics here and the short height makes it easy to minimize confusion. Catches a fair amount of shade too. great views abound too. ***Take a look at the bolts. Had to tighten a few up.....*** Oct 18, 2013
Quincy aka Tiffany Samson
Seattle, WA
[Hide Comment] If you are in the area, give the 5.9 a whirl as it's a really unique and fun climb. I don't think this is a good beginner wall. Very small space only a few people could fit in and there's only 3 anchors for 4 routes. The 5.5 and 5.6 are lackluster. The angled 5.8 route would lead to long swing if just set up on TR without clipped in draws. The 5.9 requires technique on the small holds and friction rock. That being said you could set up up a TR from above on these routes; you can top out; and you can also be help someone with cleaning/rappelling skills here either from above (all the routes) or from below (5.6 or 5.5 routes.) If you hike up to the viewpoint, you can get some good overhead photos of climbers with just one dead tree in the way. Mar 25, 2019