Info wanted about Banks Lake Rock Routes

[southernmtguide]

After spending a lot of time ice climbing at Banks this past winter, I decided it was time to check out the rock climbing yesterday. Did some really nice routes off of the road near Steamboat which are included in the Inland NW guidebook. We then went over to a really cool area behind the golf course and did a few really fun routes there. I was hoping to find out who put these routes up and say thanks! The routes were excellent, and well thought out. Clean, well protected, great anchors, all in all really fun. Sure would like to know whomever put them up, and whether you have other locations like this that are not the current guide.

 

On another note, this piece of rock is actually up for sale, 40 acres that has a lot of potential for route development, as well as the potential for a climbers campground. I spoke to the ower of the property yesterday, while getting permission from them to climb there, and they would be pscyhed to have the land turned into a park.

 

If anyone has an interest in trying to purchase this property, and turning it into a climbing preserve, let me know, and we will see what we can do.

[Jens]

I saw a little cave that had a short bolted route on it's celling when I was driving out to the ice this winter? It was on the right very close to the road, before you got to the ice climbs.

It looked ugly, but it was steeper than anything in western WA except for maybe the acutal cave area at exit 38.

I didn't stop, so my facts could be way wrong?

[Marty]

I and some friends bolted the routes there now. Ive tried them a bit and they seem to be like 12+ on up but never been back to try them. Weird season in the little cave.

[pindude]

I just got back from the Banks Lake area myself, along with a little poison ivy encounter.

 

SMG, thanks for posting the info. Re. purchase of the property, it would obviously mean pulling together a few people and resources. You're welcome to email me directly at sreynoldaticehousedotnet. A good start would be to get you in touch with Rick, who has done a number of routes out there as well and spends more time out there than anyone I know. I believe he knows some of the local Grand Coulee-Electric City area climbers.

[southernmtguide]

Yes, the project would require a considerable amount of resources. I truly believe that it would be worth the effort involved to get this piece of property preserved for future climbers. It is a very cool set up, with potential for a drive in campground with water (There is a well on site). We should get together and climb out there sometime soon to scope things out a bit.