The Cascades offer an amazing array of options when it comes to different mountain sports. And Spring is the..
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Toprope soloing is the fastest and easiest way to maximize climbing with limited time at the crag. This week I..
Stop going cragging. It’s an inefficient and overly-elaborate process if your primary goal when heading to the cliff is to..
Have you ever come up short on a rappel when you remember that you’d managed to make it before? How..
I’d like to start this article by just mentioning a thing or two about my intention in writing it. I..
As climbers and climbing-gear buyers, we are accustomed to wading through marketing claims, weeding out hearsay, and determining the facts..
Unlike ropes, shoes, and harnesses, our climbing protection will last through years of use and abuse. I still regularly climb..
The northwest climbing community experienced a string of tragic accidents in September of 2014, when three veteran climbers were killed..
While climbing do you often feel irritable, moody, or wracked with pain and uncomfortable pressure in your crotch and lower..
Six common pieces of gear and why you’re better off leaving them behind.
Blake Herrington rappels in the Mendenhall Towers, Alaska. He and partner constructed this rappel line and each rappelled it 3 times in the course of a week, using just 6mm cord and no rappel rings.
Backpackers cut the handles off their toothbrushes to save weight. Alpinist just don’t brush. But while we meticulously save grams for multi-day trips, many of us carry far too much gear around on our harnesses for a day at the crag, attempting a hard lead, or an afternoon of multi-pitching. Before leaving the car or tieing into the rope, analyze your gear and strip off the items that aren’t vital. You’ll climb harder and have more fun.
- [TR] West Macmillan Spire/Elephant Butte - West ridges via Stetattle Ridge 09/06/2020 September 17, 2020Trip: West Macmillan Spire/Elephant Butte - West ridges via Stetattle Ridge Trip Date: 09/06/2020 Trip Report: Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of getting back into the Southern Pickets with @JasonG and @Trent. We took the eastern high route/approach via Stetattle Ridge. I outlined the route in the approach notes, this will be more […]
- [TR] Cutthroat Peak - West Ridge with North Ridge finish 09/13/2020 September 14, 2020Trip: Cutthroat Peak - West Ridge with North Ridge finish Trip Date: 09/13/2020 Trip Report: After a couple disappointing attempts into Depot Creek I settled for a rock climb this weekend with my son. The smoke made multiple days seem unappealing but I figured a one day climb would be a reasonable compromise. My son […]
- [TR] Three O'Clock Rock - Big Tree 2000, pitch 6, 5.8, 07/18/2020 September 14, 2020Trip: Three O'Clock Rock - Big Tree 2000, pitch 6, 5.8 Trip Date: 07/18/2020 Trip Report: A New Pitch on an Old Favorite Crag The decision to explore the area above the Big Tree was rooted in my desire to finish my Magic Bus Variation route. Yale Lewis and I are in the middle of […]
- Jeff Park - Lionshead Fire September 13, 2020Not sure if folks have been following the fires but Mt. Jefferson is getting hit hard by the Lionshead fire. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7049/ At this point Jeff Park (Whitewater Trailhead) is gone with the fire burning right up to timberline. The Pamela Lake area has not yet been burned. Much the of the Detroit Lake is gone […]
- Mountain Loop WTA trail survey September 13, 2020Stuck at home today? Please take this WTA survey about the Mountain Loop. Your input will help shape the future of the trails network around Pilchuck, Vesper, and other hiking and climbing areas in this zone. We want climber voices to be heard. Thanks! Survey