Cushman/McCleary Cliffs

[MTNEER]

Hi All,

As you probably know, the Climbers Guide to the Olympic Mountains is undergoing a major revision for the 4th time. The 4th edition will include a section on Crags & Sport Routes. Cushman/McCleary Cliffs will be included in this section. Judson Lang, and other members of the Olympia Mountaineers have shared much excellent information for this area. However, we have found that there are new routes, especially east (right) of Upper & Lower Open Book, that we have no information on. We would appreciate any one having info about routes on these cliffs, sharing that info with us.

You may contact me here or go to our website at: http://www.olympicmountainrescue.org.

Thanks

Mtneer

 

[mtn_mouse]

Add some high mountain traverses of the Olympics. Everyone knows that is the best feature of the Olys.

[bubblebutt]

Wow! There's actually some cragging near Lake Cushman.

Seriously , where is it , how do I get to it etc.?

New to area, live on peninsula and getting into Olympics but didn't know there was so easy access rock climbing. Sick of driving East for cragging

[MTNEER]

The High Alpine Traverse section is receiving a considerable amount of attention in the 4th edition. Some new ones will be added and we are very open to suggestions. We are introducing the use of GPS waypoints with this edition. Our requirement is that the waypoint has to be taken at the site, not picked off a map.

By the way, the Baileys and Associated Traverses is being extensively rewritten.

Mtneer

[MTNEER]

There are a number of fine cragging areas in the Olympics. Fortunately, only a few have been explored. So, those of us that are allergic to climbing things already done, have free rein. The McCleary/ Cushman Cliffs are an area that is in between. It has some exqusite areas already developed and some even better areas untouched. the only proviso is that you should expect to wear out a couple of wire brushes for a FA. To get there:

Access: Travel west toward Staircase Ranger Station on WA 119 from Hoodsport to the ‘T’ with USFS 24. Turn left. In 1.6 miles, the end of the blacktop is reached. At 3.9 miles, find a parking area on the left (Lake side).

There is an excellent wall by the lake, but the majority of the climbs are on the uphill side of the road. Find a trail across the road from the parking area, which divides in all directions. Follow the trails to to a plethora of fine climbs.