Tieton Climbing Access

[AlpinistAndrew]

I started trad lead climbing this summer when I was living at Sunrise in MRNP, so I went to Tieton, using Selected Climbs in the Cascades Vol. II. My partner and I went to Royal Columns, but there was no bridge going over the river like it said in the book and we didn't see any signs saying the place was closed for eagle nesting. (So we forded the river and climbed, interestingly enough we came upon an emu-a large australian bird-). I was wondering if anyone knew what was up with the bridge being gone and what the situation is with climbing at Royal Columns (were we not supposed to be there).

[SEF]

The bridge has been out for nearly a year. Your approach options are 1) wade river, 2) Tyrolean traverse on steel cable just upstream, or 3) cross suspension bridge upstream at The Bend and hike 30 minutes or so on trail. Wading is fastest if the water level is low.

 

Royal Columns is sometimes closed for raptor nesting in the spring, although it is usually opened in April or so.

[AlpinistAndrew]

Oh okay, thanks. Yeah, my friend and I just waded the river a little downstream from where the bridge was out, we went there several times during the summer, though I didnt know about the bridge upstream. We were there in August.

[iceclimer]

Is the rock near the tieton questionable at all? I've always been a little stand-offish about placing pro there and the colombia basin.

[erik]

THE ROCK IN THE TIETON IS GOOD...AS IT IS ANDESITE...WHEREAS THE REST OF THE ROCK IN THE COLOMBIA BASIN IS GOOD OLE CRAPPY BASALT...

 

IT AINT GRANITE THOU!

[joepuryear]

It isn't Index, but then again it isn't the Fisher Towers either. The rock is generally quite compact and less friable than Frenchman's Coulee. On established routes, the cracks are solid and gear can be excellent. You are more likely to break off a hand or foot hold, than blow out your gear.