Peter_Puget Posted January 11, 2004 Posted January 11, 2004 3 O'Clock is often crowded. Blueberry Hill sees lots of traffic but no one speaks of the Comb. It appears to have lots of great routes, so why all the mystery? Any ideas? Mattp - Any pictures in the vault? PP Quote
mattp Posted January 11, 2004 Posted January 11, 2004 The Comb has some of the best 3-4 pitch 5.10 climbs at Darrington and the hike up to it is quite nice as well, with lots of ferns and wildflowers, and some very impressive big trees. With the exception of "Baloney Dome," it is probably the shortest access hike of any of the Darrington crags listed in Dave's new book. The Comb has been somewhat neglected, though, because the base area is rather steep and unfriendly and the access routes were never widely known. If you try to thrash over there from Three O'Clock Rock, as I believe is suggested in Smoot, you will be sorry. While the place is a little scrappy even by Darrington standards, routes like The Troll, Over the Rainbow, Tongue in Cheek, etc. are WAY good, though they start with some funky scrambling or a short bit of vertical bushwacking. David Gunstone's climbs are quite good, too, though they have some odd climbing and funk between the good stuff. There is one very spectacular and steep arete climb that looks as if it is probably quite hard and somebody once said their friend thought somebody's cousin put it up and it was 5.12 - I can't remember whether it is listed in Dave's guide but it is to the left of the climb called "Annihilator" and to the right of Skykrider. For a cragging experience, it is a good place because you can easily do three or four climbs in a day and get in quite a few pitches - but be prepared for some bush. Do not; I repeat - DO NOT - try to go there with the old Washington Rock Climbs guide or even the Traveller's Guide. You need Dave's new book for The Comb. Quote
Peter_Puget Posted January 12, 2004 Author Posted January 12, 2004 Guidebook makes it look really fun. Big trees are always a plus. All I can say I come on spring. Any pics? Anyone? PP Quote
shapp Posted January 13, 2004 Posted January 13, 2004 looking to climb at D-town this summer. I've lived in WA for 3 years and haven't found a climbing partner yet. I have climbed at Darrington several times, but haven't done any of the really big routes yet. I need!!! a climbing partner for this summer. I lead 5.9 trad in relative comfort (I don't climb as much as I would like or used to) and have done a lot of aid, can follow anything you put up. Looking for someone to do Dreamer, blueberry, Combs routes, etc. May be Solaris too. PM me or email at jasonshappart2001@yahoo.com Quote
Alpinfox Posted January 13, 2004 Posted January 13, 2004 Any pictures in the vault? PP The comb and 3 O'clock rock from Blueberry Hill: Sorry that's the best pic I have. Get the new Darrington guide! Guidebook info Quote
mattp Posted January 13, 2004 Posted January 13, 2004 Here's Chris Greyell on The Troll, 5.10a on the Third Tooth of The Comb (second tooth from the right in AlpinFox's picture). Quote
Peter_Puget Posted January 13, 2004 Author Posted January 13, 2004 (edited) If you drew a line straight up from Alpin's thumbs up you would hit the far left side of 3 O Clock Rock Any routes there? Is it South Facing? Edited January 13, 2004 by Peter_Puget Quote
mattp Posted January 13, 2004 Posted January 13, 2004 If you are asking about what I call "Upper Three O'Clock Rock," up and left from the main part of the rock, I don't think anybody has put routes on it. It is south or southeast facing, and steeper than the main part of Three O'Clock Rock. Quote
Peter_Puget Posted January 13, 2004 Author Posted January 13, 2004 Mmmmmm...if only I had free time! Quote
Bill_Simpkins Posted January 17, 2004 Posted January 17, 2004 I tried thrashing over there from 3 'O Clock Rock two years ago and suffered greatly. Not reccommended. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.