PullinFool Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 Has anybody ever climbed at the "Bat Cave(s)?" in Alger? I am moving to BellyWash this spring and am interested in learning about good cragging in the area, if any. Squamish is closer!! WOOHOO! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle_Tricky Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 It's worth checking out. There are some bolted climbs, some mixed pro climbs and some cracks--one very obvious two pitch one in particular. A nice spot with good western exposure and nice views on sunny afternoons... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PullinFool Posted February 17, 2003 Author Share Posted February 17, 2003 Thanks, Uncle. Any topos available ? Access, type of rock, etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erik Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 hike like you are going to the oyster dome b-ham rock by jason henry. hardend sandstone of some sort Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle_Tricky Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 You can get the guide at Basecamp out door store in B-ham. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dberdinka Posted February 17, 2003 Share Posted February 17, 2003 The "Bat Caves" are a beautiful area, but the climbing there is very much neglected. I think it boils down to the fact that climbing there is really a full days outing due to the approach and the actual climbing just ain't that good. If you want to go climbing for a short day Erie is the closest and has both good weather and good rock. For an afternoon go bouldering at Larrabee and for a full day Squamish, Index and Darrington are all between 92 and 96 miles from town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PullinFool Posted February 17, 2003 Author Share Posted February 17, 2003 Thanks for the beta, dberdinka - I am really psyched about the proximity to Squamish... Nice homepage, BTW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norsky Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 Bat caves is OK check out hangers from the top of the Oyster Dome and rap in. There is also the crap sandstone to boulder traverse at Larrabee Park nearby. Also, there is a handfull of small crags that are bolted up the Mt. Baker Highway. Granitic I believe. Definitely hit Squamish over any of the above areas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PullinFool Posted February 18, 2003 Author Share Posted February 18, 2003 Yo, Norsky! Interested in showing the granitics this spring @ Baker? Potential for willing moss mungers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCramer Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 The climbing at the Bat Caves is extremely fingery and the rock is brittle. I'd say it is worth at least a trip or two. Most of the routes are pretty hard.(5.12) One route on the left side looks pretty amazing but is marred by a dirty first pitch. I can attest the hike is not so bad as I did it with two left shoes on! The obvious crack pitch that has been mentioned look wild. Anyone have any experiences they want to share with us about it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jshamster Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 Bat caves are a great day trip. There are enough routes there to make a few trips worth it. Anywhere from .7 - .12, trad, sport & mixed. Bring enough pads and even the bouldering is good. Check out the caves too. Baker Rocks, on the Mt. Baker Hwy are good, but need use. Not enough traffic to keep mossy sport climbs clean. There are a few in the .11 - .12 range that are dry almost all of the time and are right by the road. Worth visiting & it's quick. Can get good spring/summer riding in near the ski area, and clip bolts on the way home. Have fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COL._Von_Spanker Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 If you want to climb the bat caves the right way ride yer bike up from the I5 side, it's a sweet ride with a steady climb, and one of the funner descents in the area, especially the section at the very top down. Some refer to this ride as blanchard hill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plexus Posted February 18, 2003 Share Posted February 18, 2003 Sned a message to Dyno Merchant for info on both areas, he put up most of the routes. I'd go to Glacier before the Bat Caves. There are two areas, and while they have their assortment of 5.11-12s, there is a nice selection of 10s that are good for what they are. The Bat Caves, the number of routes is limited and the rock isn't all that great. Have climbed there a few times and would have to say its worth maybe one or two visits up there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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