Crossing the River at Tieton

[JayB]

I can recall hearing something about having to use a Tyrolean traverse and/or a crumbling bridge to access the Royal Columns a few months ago. Is this still the case? Alternatives?

 

Also - any routes that you'd care to recommend in addition to Orange Sunshine?

 

Thanks,

[Dave_Schuldt]

There is a bridge at the quanset hut at the Bend a mile or 2 upstream. Someone a few months ago posted something about being able to ford the river near the old bridge.

[Uncle_Tricky]

Hey JayB, bridge to Royal columns is gone. There was (is?) a tyrolean traverse 100 yards upstream of where the bridge used to be. Much easier and faster to just walk across the stream maybe another 100 yards upstream--hardly more than shin deep. You can make a nice round trip by crossing the bridge at the Bend, climbing there, walking downriver on the nature trail for 15 minutes to climb at the royal columns, then wade the stream back to the road. The Bend stays shady in the morning, which can be nice.

 

Royal Columns:

X-factor/Cutting Edge--both fun 7s

Inca Roads--9 nice fingers

Thriller Piller--somewhat runout edgy 9 face

Paul Maul--10c companion to Orange Sunshine

 

The Bend:

Ed's Jam 8--long, nice hand jams

Local Knowledge--very cool 2 pitch .10/.9 crack

House Rules--9 crack to nice 10c face

Pure Joy 10c--balancy, fun, challenging pro as you can't always see into the crack. The corner crack immediately to the right is also good and little easier.

 

Also up the river a bit is Wildcat Crack--challenging 10b that will find any weaknesses you have.

 

Have fun--it's a beautiful spot.

 

[ 08-04-2002, 03:10 AM: Message edited by: Uncle Tricky ]