Distant Drum Rock Climbing

There are three "new" trails into this area. You can use the existing trail in the "Lower Jungle" which once ran as far as the "Towers Section" and the last tower "Ishmael's Tower" but now has been extended north for about 4km. This trail leads you along a wall with a few new possible routes, albeit 40 to 60 footers and is known as the "Commuter Wall." The trail then drops abruptly exposing what gave this old cragger a "pay dirt" moment! From the drop and arching first north then northeast are a remarkable band of tall faces on quality rock. There are sport and trad routes to be developed here, many of which will require two pitches and stout first ascentionists! The wall, now being known as the "Village Wall" goes on for at least another kilometer. The other trails lead down from new campsites above and northwest of the "Jungle." There is a cairns marking the campsites near and south of where the road changes from gravel to saw dust and flags marking the trails (see topo on cover page). These are mountaineer's trails to be sure! There are fixed hardware and ropes to assist, though no rapping is required. The southern trail dumps you out closer to the "Commuter Wall" and the northern trail puts you closer to the "Village Wall"(see topo below). The last trail down can be located by finding the old over grown logging road east of the main road and before the east side cell tower. Just south of a large debris pile from logging, the old road leads east to the edge. Look for a cairned chimney. It takes no ropes (there are fixed pieces of iron set inside the chute to assist) and about 5 minutes to climb through (5.6ish) dropping you right on the trail (near the 5.9, Zoo Keeper) and at the end of the "Village Wall" near the beginning of "The Planet of the Apes Area." This would save you about 30 min.s of walking at the base of the cliffs through the "Lower Jungle", and first parts of "The Distant Drum Area" (see topo below). It is fast but not for dogs or the faint of heart!