BETA PHOTO: Tempest is the gorgeous river of ice in the middle...
Description
A true frozen river. This route was the first ice route climbed in the entire Orient Bay region. It is a "must do." And as such it can be very busy. Easy and varied terrain gives you a wide selection of climbing possibilities. Choose a side and head up. There is a head wall about 150ft up that gives you a taste of WI3 but the rest of the climb is very mellow.
Pitch 1:(WI2+, 50 meters) From the rock wall on the bottom right, ascend any number of variations. Go left to belay at the small birch tree tucked close to the rock wall.
Pitch 2:(WI2, 20 meters) From birch tree climb up the ice chute to the trees above.
Have fun!
References: "Ice Climbs of the Lake Superior Region" by Eric Landmann and Don Hynek, Granite Publishing
Location
This route is located on Highway 11. Heading north its just past Obsession on the right side. There are a number of climbs in the area but Tempest is easily distiguished by its width. A spot to park is on the left just past the climb. Cross the road walk along the guard rail and head towards the ice.
After the climb there are a couple of options. Slings around birch trees provide rappel points at a couple different spots on top, straight up and in the middle, and on the left above the cleft.
Note - According to Superior Ice the route is 230ft. I was able to rap from the top center (the tallest part) off two 60m twins with rope to spare.
Orient Bay
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