Burnt River Canyon  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  44.5516, -117.6265 Map Page Views:  10,424. Good page? (4 likes)    Administrators:  Peter Franzen, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  androo.daveass on Sep 18, 2009 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

BETA PHOTO: Cragmap for the Burnt River Canyon.

Description 

Climbing:
-The Burnt River Canyon has many limestone cliffs and spires. Some of these have been explored for their sport and trad climbing potential. There are currently around 100 established routes in the canyon, with potential for many more.
-Approaches are short and the sport climbs range from 30 to 100 feet tall, so one rope and a dozen draws is all you need. With routes ranging from 5.6 slabs to 5.13 overhangs, there is something for every climber. The majority of the routes are 5.10 to 5.11.
-Temperatures can be comfortable for climbing year-round, but summers do get hot. Winter and spring are best.

Amenities:
-There are no facilities or amenities of any kind in the Burnt River Canyon. Carry out what you carry in.
-Don’t leave your TP in camping areas or at the crag! Bury human waste and bury, burn, or pack out your paper.
-The water in the Burnt River may or may not be suitable for drinking, but there is no plumbing in the canyon, so bring your water with you.
-There are many scenic places to camp in throughout the canyon.

Safety:
-While the stone is high quality, this is not a high-traffic area, so loose rock does exist. When in doubt, wear a helmet.
-Rattlesnakes! Watch where you step, especially during the summer.
-The nearest hospital is in Baker City.

Guidebook:
-There is a very brief mention of the area in Rock Climbing Oregon by Bolf and Ruef.

Access:
-Most of the land in the Burnt River Canyon is public. However, there are a handful of private mining outfits that have federal mining claims within the canyon. You will see gold miners while climbing here. Mostly, the miners are retiree’s and are essentially panning for gold.
-Since they don’t make noise with heavy machinery, the biggest inconvenience miners can cause arises from their curiosity as to what exactly you may be doing with the rocks near or on their mining claim.
-Just saying ‘hello’ and politely talking with them about climbing goes a long way toward preserving access in this area.

Getting There 

Driving directions:
From I-84 take
Exit 327 for Durkee
Drive to the stop sign at the junction with Vandecar Rd.
Turn West onto Vandecar Rd, toward Durkee. Drive .5 mile through town.
Cross RR tracks. At the stop sign, turn right onto Old Highway 30.
After 1.5 miles, turn left (West) onto Burnt River Canyon Lane.
Drive 11 miles until you see the first high-quality limestone on your right (French Gultch).

The Classics

Featured Route For Burnt River Canyon

Momma's Boy 5.12c  OR : Burnt River Canyon : Mother's Day Wall

With powerful moves and a technical crux, this route is full-on from the first move. After the first two bolts, follow the good holds left to the third bolt and into the direct line. Milk the rest if you can find it; you’ll need to have some power left after the crux to hit the huge quartz-crystal jug!Note: There is one off-route bolt that was used to equip the start of the route. Don’t bother trying to clip it, it won’t help. Move left to the third bolt instead.History: After getting ...[more]   Browse More Classics in OR

Photos of Burnt River Canyon Slideshow

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Beautiful limestone climbing on Mother's Day Wall

walking the canyon road