Ashland area rock

[Telemack]

Hey there---Ashland/Siskys aren't exactly the Cascades, but my family and I did several days of theeter there and it's a good place to combine culture and crags. The Rogue vol. 3 guide is very useful.

 

The Ashland Boulders are quick to visit from in town, about 10 min. drive and 10 hike. The rock is solid, sharp granite with bad landings and ratings all over the place. A small pad is a good idea but many of the bases are so slopey,loose.uneven that a spotter or 2 are more useful. PM shade with the trees and the hillside. Bring a wire brush for touch-ups and variations.

 

Emigrant Lake has really good, super-hard sandstone that climbs and feels like Eldorado Springs Canyon in CO. Easy walk and some early AM shade, then quite hot. The lake is right at hand for a quick dip after sweating up the routes. Good variety 5.8 to 5.10+/11-, though the nice harder lines are underwater when the reservoir is high. Good cliff jumping and also potential for some deep-water silliness. No lower-offs on top the left side; use slings on the bolts and walk off.

 

Other areas around there look good too and more extensive. There is a ton of developed rock Eugene and south for those of us ranging afield from Puget Sound.