Indian Ridge  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  787. Good page?    Administrators:  Peter Franzen, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Monomaniac on Nov 29, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon 61° | 37° 63° | 37° 64° | 37° 68° | 37° 79° | 43°

Seasonal Raptor Closure 2012 MORE INFO >>> For 2012 closure info, see smithrock.com/b2evolution/media/blogs/routes/eagle-closure-2>>> This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Northeast side of Squaw Rock

Description 

Indian Ridge is the distant skyline visible to the North from various summits in the main Smith Rock area. The Ridge is home to the iconic "Squaw Rock". It has been said that you cannot call your self a true Smith hardman until you have ascended this remote spire.

The routes here are full-on adventure climbs. All routes feature little to no gear (which is good news for the approach hike), an hour-plus walk, and complete solitude.

Getting There 

The quickest, most legal approach seems to be to head over Asterix Pass from the main area, follow the river trail past the Monkey, then up on to the plateau above the rimrock after passing the Kiss of the Lepers cliffs. From here, head NE to the exit of the Canal tunnel, then follow the canal to the next tunnel (under Gunsight rock). Start scrambling up Indian Ridge at this point, aiming for the lowest pinnacle on the ridge, Gunsight rock. Squaw Rock is further on up the ridge. Various lesser spires dot the hill slopes on either side of the ridge. Most of these smaller spires are forgettable, but some offer excellent climbing.

It seems that the entire Indian Ridge area is located on public property, unlike Mendenhall Ridge, so there should not be access issues. However, this is the wild west, so its probably best to keep a low profile just in case.

The Classics

Featured Route For Indian Ridge

Squaw Rock, Spiral 5.1 X  OR : Smith Rock : Indian Ridge

This classic adventure route makes for an excellent solo. The route begins on the South (or Smith Rock) side of the tower with a short boulder problem right off the deck to surmount the large sloping ramp that is the base of Squaw Rock. There are numerous places that you can scramble on to this ramp, so pick a spot that inspires you. Once on the ramp, head up (to the right or north), and begin spiraling around the tower in a counter-clockwise fashion. The difficulty is never greater than thi...[more]   Browse More Classics in OR