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Mult-Pitch Climbing in the Methow Valley

Okanogan County, Washington

Description

Added by Tegra Nuess

Duration: about 5 hours. Routes range from half to full day. The approach is about 30 min. Scenic with virtually no crowds. Great for learning sport multi-pitch.

It's 2.7 miles from the store. Park on the left side of the road, cross the street and follow the cairned trail straight up the hillside.

Tucked up in the Methow (the h is silent) Valley east of the North Cascades in Washington lies the beautiful and outdoorsy tiny little town of Mazama. Known for cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking and climbing in the summer. Roughly 3 miles out of town, Goat Wall rises 1500 feet above the Methow River.

There are 5 multi-pitch sport routes on the wall- the most famous being 'Prime Rib' with 12 pitches. Since we got a late start we decided on 'The Methow Inspiration'- 5 pitches ranging from 5.7-5.9. We were there in September and the weather was perfect, hot but not too hot. The first few pitches are pretty easy followed by the fourth pitch which is short but has a bouldery crux. The final pitch is by far the best with thin but good holds, classic slab moves, an energizing breeze and the thrill of being hundreds of feet off the ground. It's a steep and sustained 5.9 that made me feel like a real badass. The final scramble to the top is worth it for incredible view of the valley below. Have some lunch, rap down, jump in the river and head to the Mazama General Store for a beer.

The Mazama General Store is spectacular. They have everything you could want and the gear store with the guide book is out back. There are many campgrounds in the area and if you feel like splurging The Rolling Huts are amazing.

Tips:
  • The routes can be tricky to find
  • Set your odometer from the store and pay attention
  • We headed up the wrong trail and got completely lost
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Features

Rock Climbing
Photography
River
Scenic
Swimming Hole

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Nearby

Cross Country Ski from the Mazama Trailhead

Hike to the Goat Peak Lookout

Bike the North Cascades Highway

Hike to the Tawlks Foster Suspension Bridge

Hike to Cutthroat Pass

Cross-Country Ski the Rendezvous Huts