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Camping in Vantage climbing area, Washington.

Original Post
Ivo K · · SEATTLE, WA · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 5

Hey folks,
I am new to the area, and I am planing to go camping and climbing this weekend to Vantage.
Does anyone have been there lately, too much people camping, are restroom open?

Thank you so much for your help

Ivo K.

Ackley The Improved · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2020 · Points: 0

If you don’t already know, you live too far away to do that.

Gov Jay

Meredith E. · · Bainbridge Island, WA · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 5

While DNR land is now open for recreation, camping is still not allowed at this time.  Please don't camp or they may just re-close the limited areas that are now open.

Ivo K wrote: Hey folks,
I am new to the area, and I am planing to go camping and climbing this weekend to Vantage.
Does anyone have been there lately, too much people camping, are restroom open?

Thank you so much for your help

Ivo K.
Zach Baer · · Bellingham · Joined Feb 2018 · Points: 5

While it WOULD be possible to find a spot to sleep in your vehicle nearby, pitching a tent is going to be next to impossible due to the lack of open public lands. There are some backpacking areas nearby, not sure who owns the land or if it is open though. Please don't try to camp anywhere near the climbing area.

I understand the desire to get out and climb, be in nature, ect, but please don't ruin access for others. Consider taking a day trip instead, or look into a different area.

If you are going to vantage for a day and there are too many cars parked in the main area, I would recommend parking further down and parking at the end of the west side of the formation. You're less likely to run into people along the trail and you'll have more free routes to choose from. If there are too many people to climb safely, you may have to abandon climbing and find another activity.

Also, no matter where you go bring a wag bag. Bathrooms definitely will be closed.

Jplotz · · Cashmere, WA · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 1,320
Meredith E. wrote: While DNR land is now open for recreation, camping is still not allowed at this time.  

Whatever.  Obviously you weren't there the past two weekends.  Exactly zero people are following this very mild suggestion.

mcarizona · · Flag · Joined Feb 2007 · Points: 180

If you want to be a hero to the folks here on the proj you might call that hotel in George and ask if you can camp out back, maybe use their restaruant for take out.  Then you can drive to the Coulie in about 10 minutes each day.  

Steve

Edit: whoa! times have changed!  I just googled it and it looks like George thinks it is some kinda resort town... there used to be a strip motel right near the gas station there.  Good luck!

Patrick Beeson · · Portland, OR · Joined Sep 2016 · Points: 167

I saw at least three parties in Southwest WA violating the no-camping rule near the tiny Rock Creek crag last weekend. Definitely a shame considering that place is easily drivable from Portland and/or Vancouver, WA.

But seriously, please don't ruin this for folks following the rules!

Darin Berdinka · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2009 · Points: 372
Jplotz wrote:

Whatever.  Obviously you weren't there the past two weekends.  Exactly zero people are following this very mild suggestion.

The ban on camping is a joke.     zero enforcement and zero compliance.

Meredith E. · · Bainbridge Island, WA · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 5
Jplotz wrote:

Whatever.  Obviously you weren't there the past two weekends.  Exactly zero people are following this very mild suggestion.

I figured it would be nuts on the weekend, especially a nice weekend right after things "opened", but it would be nice if we could all work together a little to avoid a "and this is why we can't have nice things" situation where they close all the parks and public lands again.  

Jplotz · · Cashmere, WA · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 1,320
Darin Berdinka wrote:

The ban on camping is a joke.     zero enforcement and zero compliance.

Yep  I half suspect a lot of the lack of enforcement reflects more of a cultural divide between East and West if the cascade crest. There is a lot of f*ck Inslee over here for these blanket closures, which probably includes enforcement officials.  


The camping ban is a joke.  And no, access will not be affected.
Ivo K · · SEATTLE, WA · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 5

Hey guys, thank you so much for the update. I appreciate your honest comments.

Ivo K.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Pacific Northwest
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