new climber

[flashpoint01]

Im new to rock climbing and just moved over to the tri-cities. I was curious if any one knew of some good spots to try around the area. I've heard vantage is nice, but i'm not sure if its going to be a newbies skill level?

[catbirdseat]

Yes, Vantage does have beginner level climbs. I suggest you try to get with an experienced mentor at first.

[TrogdortheBurninator]

The main thing vantage lacks is easily top ropeable climbs. If you are unfamiliar with leading, you best bet might be a trip to icicle creek in leavenworth. Endless top ropeable routes.

[flashpoint01]

I'll look into leavenworth. My experience is pretty much limited to gym climbing and a dozen or so top roping trips. So i'm really looking for some top roping.

[octopuswithafez]

Exit 38 comes to mind around we did rock and the trestle, I would vote for Mounties wall on Erie but you need some long runners to set the anchors.

[flashpoint01]

where is exit 38, what highway. Also where is erie?

[lizard_brain]

If you're in Richland, though, Vantage is closest - about 60+ miles away. Exit 38 is on I-90, about 2.5 hours or so from Richland. Erie is more like 3+ hours.

 

Some stuff on Vantage:

 

http://www.summitpost.org/route/158126/the-feathers.html

 

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151624/vantage.html

[high_on_rock]

I think the feathers at Vantage are the best beginner rock in the area. If you cannot lead the route, there are always people there willing to help. I will be there with some beginners this coming weekend, if you want to join us PM me.

Eric

[catbirdseat]

where is exit 38, what highway. Also where is erie?

Exit 38 is near North Bend off of I-90. It's a long ways from the Tri Cities, but it does have lots of easy topropeable climbs if you know where to go.

[kevino]

You could also head west on I-82 and go towards tieton when you get to yakima.

[lizard_brain]

I think the feathers at Vantage are the best beginner rock in the area. If you cannot lead the route, there are always people there willing to help. I will be there with some beginners this coming weekend, if you want to join us PM me.

Eric

 

Not trying to sell it, but the Feathers is close to you, it has some beginner routes, and it tends to be protected from the weather when it is rainy on the west side of the mountains. On the other hand, it can be crowded or busy, especially on weekends, and noisy on Saturday nights (party!), but you can drive off and camp away from that, usually.

[flashpoint01]

Great. Thanks for all the advice. I'll check out vantage either this weekend or next.