Where to bring small kids to climb (exit 32 or 38)

[Dr_Crash]

OK, I want to get my kids outside while it's still decent weather. They're 5 and 7 and have been climbing at Vertical World every week this year. I brought them to Marymoor rock, but all we can do there is boulder since I don't have another adult with me to set a toprope, and I can't lead yet anyway So I am looking for something where I could get my kids to have fun toproping (up to 5.6 or 5.7 I think), and where I can walk to the top, set the rope, and then go down and belay them. The pitch should be kids-friendly as in enough holds within the reach of their little span.

 

Suggestions?

 

Thanks in advance!

drC

[mattp]

Mt. Eerie is great for what you are describing.

 

The views are great, and the "practice wall" has several climbs about 70 feet high, 5.4 to 5-8 or so. It is just a five minute scramble down from the parking area, with an approach trail that will make a nervous mother uncomfortable but you can spot the little ones accross the one truly sketchy part, and then the staging area is easy to manage.

[catbirdseat]

At Exit 38, try Write-Off Rock near the Trestle. At the far side there is also The Gritscone. All of these can allow you to set up a top rope by scrambling to the top. At exit 32 there is a 5.6, and 5.7 you can top rope from the anchors for Mambo Jambo. You can walk around to the top to set it up.

[ashw_justin]

Or you can toprope easy climbs from the anchors on Repo I wall (exit 32). The guidebook gives directions.

[cman]

the gritscone is short but perfect for what you are talking about. you can also set up some TRs at write off rock but that place is a zoo sometimes.

[Dr_Crash]

Thanks for the ideas!

 

drC

[ashw_justin]

I would take my kids to Exit 32, it's cooler. Oh wait, I don't have kids.

[Alex]

The hike up to 32 is much longer than the hike up to 38. Something that will make a difference when your avg hiking speed is cut in half by small legs trying to keep up!

[mattp]

The train trestle at exit 38 is itself a "destination" for small children, and the railroad bed staging area is a good place for them. On any given Saturday morning, there are usually people with their children there; much more rarely at Little Si.

[MattR]

I'd vote for The Gritscone too. It's a relatively short walk, belay area is safe for kids, and you can walk to the top to set top ropes. It's where I took my son for his first real rock outing (he was 6 1/2) - ego pictures here: http://www.mattandmaren.com/200307_gritscone.html

[Dr_Crash]

We went to the Grit Scone yesterday and had a blast. The kids (6 1/2 and 5) were all excited to be on their first real rock, and they all climbed three times before night and rain coming down on us chased us. We'll go back

 

drC