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Thad Nelson climbing "Wisecrack" the classic crack on the Wise Up Wall at Coal Mountain Crag. Terry Stoupa/Dallas Kloke 1972. Thad has also put some beta on Mountain Project, I believe its listed under Cumberland Crags.

The Skagit County Crags guidebook is complete and available at the Mt. Erie store and also at the Big Rock Cafe(located at the hwy 9 and College Way junction in Mount Vernon). This guide includes over 200+ routes at 9 different crags; Mt. Erie(Select), Rosario, Big Rock, Devils Rock-pile, Umbrella Rock, Calendar Butte, 7 Mile Rock, Coal Crag, and Iron Mt Crag. Some great traditional, sport, and mixed rock-climbs to be had, minus the crowds. My pops (retired computer tech-e guy)is putting together a website skagitcrag.com for updates on new routes, road conditions, etc. Kompai!, -Brandon

Dallas and I were climbing a 3 pitch route called Ultra Basic and when we came down our packs had vanished. A couple rednecks pulled up at the parking area before we started climbing but they seemed friendly enough. There was also some dude with a metal detector snooping around. Regardless of who it was they didn't have the manners to leave us the car keys that were in the top pouch. Coal Mt. Crag is about 9 miles on a dirt road and so Dallas and I started hoofing it since there isn't cell service. About 6 miles in we ran into some target shooters and they gave us a ride back to Sedro. It was odd for sure, even for that place. Haven't had any trouble up there since though.

no kidding, i wont ever forget to hide the gear again! Seems like less shady types hanging out there these days. I think because there's more dirt bag climbers looking out for each other.

Just need a couple more action shots. Any super models out there?

Looks awesome Jim! Thanks for all the hard work putting it together, Dallas would be proud. I'll be picking up my copy

Yes there are three areas that I know of. Might be more that I don't. 7 Mile Rock, Coal Crag, and Iron Mt. Crags together make up the Cumberland/Finney road group. You can find directions to two of these places on Mountain Project. Its posted under Bald Mountain Boulders/Coal Mnt Crag. I've tried to create its own page but it wont give me access and some guys had already posted a bouldering page for the same area, though its not called Bald Mountain boulders since bald mountain is miles away from there. Its not called monkey cliff either, Ive heard a couple people name it that. Dallas Kloke and friends applied their given names and since he was stomping around here in 1973, I think that its appropriate to use them. Fun stuff, come up soon Mark and down Curt!

Trip: Coal Crag - many Date: 6/21/2013 Trip Report: Skagit County- decaying infrastructure, bumper to bumper traffic, hillbillies galore--------fresh produce, tulips, red-necked climbers, and some great rock+++++++++ Here's a few pics from another stellar day at Cumberland Crags Gear Notes: quickdraws, light rack, 0 and 00 metolius are very helpful Approach Notes: Get in the car, drive up road 17, roll out of the car onto a short trail, hike 5 minutes to the rock

Road is melted, anybody want to check out Coal Crag (skagit co.)if the weather holds this weekend? Sunday works best for me. No crowds, fun routes. I would really like to get a couple of photos for the guidebook so if you lead 11- trad/sport mixed that would be a plus as I have a particular route in mind that would be nice to shoot. Don't worry I'm shooting with a Fuji film 100dollar camera so makeup will not be required While I couldn't pay you $ for the modeling, I would buy the beer and make the drive up rd. 17 360-421-3880 -Brandon

Looks like the proposed clear cut is going to happen. Does anybody know how it will effect the access from the bottom? It was difficult to tell off the map they provided.

Nevermind, its wet. Umbrella Rock...?

A couple of us are heading to 7 Mile Rock tomorrow (skagit area). Just wanted to extend the invite to anybody else who might want to check it out. Fun mixed climbing 5.7-5.12. 360-421-3880

I've asked for help posting pics a few times. I get to the spot where you should be able to click browse but that icon is x'd out...? Never had any trouble in past years and its probably something really simple. Id be happy to share any beta though. Just one more peach I'd like to pick, everything else I hope to see folks on before that lichen grows back :)There are quite a few routes put up from 2007-present from many different climbers at a few different areas so its a small books worth of topos/descriptions so I thought why not just make a book. Just need a few more pics and then start printing. Come up and climb so I can click some pictures! but have a great time in Spain first eh

Awesome write up Rad! Blade Runner must be for real because I know Skullduggery was rowdy for sure. I can certainly understand the feeling you describe relating to the process and commitment toward a single pitch of climbing. I had a similar obsession last year and had repeated fights with a certain route that took all the energy I could muster. Although a good climber would enjoy "Tradical" as a warm up, it was my personal best accomplishment to date and as rewarding of a climbing experience as I ever had. Here you are at 44 and still striving to reach your peak. People like Martin and others who began climbing in there 50's and now well in to their 60's and (although wont admit it) are still improving. I'm approaching 40 myself and although healing takes a bit longer every year I know there is so much more to be stoked about and motivation has not wavered. This is why climbing is so f*^%#% great. You can do it for a long long time especially if you stay a moderate man and don't destroy the tendons yeah that's a good excuse to hover at this level.....longevity Shang ri la is my favorite area at exit 38 for sure. You guys have done an excellent job developing the area and have produced some real classics. Bravo Rad! And let's get out soon!

Jerry at the Mount Erie Store is handing out some paperwork describing the purposed area and the deadline for us to send in our letters of petition. The window is pretty short so if you are among the concerned, please get your letters in immediately. Points to bring up might be... Erosion, wildlife, deforestation's effect on slope stability, the fact that the majority of the area is zoned as a rural reserve and the planned sub division blatantly defies this, and the adverse affect on the natural beauty of Mount Erie/ Lake Campbell area. Write to- John Cooper Planner/geologist for Skagit county planning and development services. 1800 continental place Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-336-9410

this is where I get to but the highlighted area is white out with a red x and doesnt do anyting when I click. I have plenty of space. HHmmmm, I never used to have a problem

I go to upload photo section, enter info but cannot browse for photo. any help please

does anyone else have this problem? I hit the upload photo tab and it has all the catagories available to label with but no way to browse for a photo.

the ones where your shit doesnt get stolen at the bottom of. Darrington is straight gangsta!

Cheers Curt! lets get out to Darrington or elsewhere in 2013, we will make it happen

Pretty crazy year for me (outside of climbing life) so not super productive. I did manage squeak a few cool things in mostly at Iron Mt. Crag 1. "Tradical" after 14 trys finally got what is my hardest gear climb and hardest FA to date. 2. "Punked" after recieving some good rope burn and then changing the bolt line finished this lovely sport route 3."Bathtub Moment" an easier variant to Tradical but super fun 4. "Little Big Crack" A chimney you protect with green aliens,sweet! 5. "Slip Of The Tip" Umbrella Rock, finally got it after the 6th try. Here's to getting off the ground a bit more in 2013!

Ahhh Pine Creek! I miss the east side. Cardinal Pinnacle, Rock Creek, Bachar Boulders, Deadmans 1/2/3, Clark's Canyon, Benton Crags, Happy Boulders, Buttermilks, Aolean Butte, Owens, Dike Wall, etc. etc. etc. So much climbing and not even counting Whitney area, or Yosemite, ans north. What a Mecca. Which state has more climbing, California or Utah???

Sweet Mike! Always awesome to hear of your years adventures in China. Youve got that project at Iron Mt. you need to finish up when you come back.

Oh yeah p5 of Holy Grail!, I remove my initial P2 statement...oh wait, man its all good

Umbrella Rock or Mt. Erie right now? Its freakin gorgeous outside!