rock climbing in port angeles area?

[Chogunn]

Going to be spending Memorial Day wk end in Port Angeles area with some friends. Thought it would be nice to introduce them to rock climbing, but I don't know the area. Are there any nearby crags with some beginner/intermediate routes with relatively easy access?

thanks

Darren

[olyclimber]

Yall can go to the Elwa Damn can climb Slappin' Skeeter (the easiest there, and a few in the 5.10 range). That is the best rock climbing I know of out there. There is also some up between Hurricane Ridge and Obstruction Point, but I've never gone up there to check it out. Also, there is climbing at a few other areas, but the Elwa is the best as far as proximity and number of climbs. It's sport climbing.

[Sherri]

I got my butt kicked on those Elwha routes. (Especially the Trench, but the Breeze and Slappin' Skeeters were fun.)

 

The climbs are pumpy, but the moves are enjoyable and the rock is suprisingly nice quality. Not sure if I'd take a beginner there, though; it could be intimidating if it's your first climbing experience, because the overhanging angle of the wall makes you feel like you're being pulled off the whole time.

 

Grab a copy of "Olympic Mountains: A Climbing Guide" from Port Book and News in Port Angles for the beta. And be careful. Big stuff can get pulled off unexpectedly.

 

 

Edited May 16, 2007 by Sherri

[Bergretter]

Elwha it is! Slappin' Skeeters is, as mentioned above, the easiest route there at 5.7, although there is a 5.8 and a 5.9 just around the corner to the right. All routes are bolted and most have chain sets at the top and some half-way. This would be a great spot to introduce new climbers to the sport once you have led up and set up a TR. Bring a brush early in the season as the sand builds up on the ledges during winter. Steeple Rock is a few miles out the Obstruction Point road from Hurricane Ridge parking lot (closed due to snow right now) that has some fun 'alpine rock' style routes, though most have their fair share of loose rock, but exposure and views are awesome. The Olympics Climbers Guide is a good reference for all that the area has to offer, with the new sport climbing section a nice addition. Good luck.