Tieton - Sunny Crags?

[S1W]

I've climbed a bit at the Royal Columns and the Bend and know that they get decent sun, but unfortunately they're currently closed for raptors.

 

Can anyone recommend some other crags in the Tieton that get decent sun this time of year (that arent affected by the bird closure)?

 

Thanks!

[berl]

across the river at the Oasis there are some sunny sport climbs.

http://mountainproject.com/v/washington/tieton_river/the_oasis/105929797

I found that the fan-shaped columns straight from the road look cool but don't climb that great- the high number of bolts are probably needed to hold the whole thing together.

 

 

When/where did the bird closure get posted? Is all of Royal Columns closed?

[S1W]

Berl,

 

The closure is mentioned on mountainproject and in the Yoder guidebook. I'm not sure if it affects the entire Royal Columns or just part of it. I've made a few phone calls to find out, but haven't had any luck getting an answer.

 

 

[eric8]

The mid wall at the cave is the perfect early season climbing destination.

[andyf]

The mid wall at the cave is the perfect early season climbing destination.

 

 

Agreed. 8 routes on the middle wall ranging from 5.11a (well, maybe .10d)to 5.11d and from 80 to 100 feet. Plus a bunch of routes on the shorter columns to either side, mostly 5.10/.11, with some easier and some harder.

 

In past El Nino years, I've driven to within easy walking range of Lava Point (another sunny spot) in February. Even if the road's still snowed in, it's not that far to hike up from the Highway 12/Wildcat Creek junction. Keep an eye out for a tick or two...or twenty.

 

Finally, Rainbow Rocks gets good PM sun.

 

Haven't been over there recently to see what's closed, but the closure typically affects the entire south side of the canyon from the Tim Pond Wall (east of Royal columns) to a little west of the Bend. Moon Rocks (farther west, but shady this time of year) has never been included. By mid-April, the closure usually scales back to not affect any crags.