Area 51 is a sport climbing crag that's located in the forest on the eastern flanks of Mt. Hood. It's a single cliffband around 60-70ft. high that's composed of nicely featured andesite.
There are a few dozen bolted sport routes here that range from 5.7 to 5.13. The routes are very well bolted with up to date hardware, although many of them do require a piece of gear or two to get you to the top.
Getting There
Drive South on Hwy-35 out of Hood River. Take a left on NF-44 towards Dufur. Drive up this road for a few miles and take a right when it splits at a large intersection. Keep driving for a couple more miles and take another right on NF-4420 towards 15 Mile Campground and Flag Point.
This road will split after a few hundred meters-- stay right on the paved part (the left fork goes to a small crag named Bulo Point). Take this road for another few miles; you will pass 15 Mile Campground, and shortly after that you will pass the turnoff to Flag Point. Stay on the road, and look for a large pullout a few hundred meters past the cattle guard. Park here and take the trail down below the bluff and follow it down and around to the right to the cliffs.
Beautiful but quite chossy. I pulled a microwave-sized hold off of one of the better routes with little effort and pulled more rock off of the crux bulge of another "3 alien head" rated route. There's some fun stuff, but IMO not worthy of a long drive.
I have been climing at A51 for about 8 years now. Most route anchors can NOT be reached from the top - and should NOT be given the fragile dry soils and plant life. So you really need to be able to lead 5.10. And 1/3 of the routes are mixed gear/bolts, so bring a rack. And bring a helmet - folks ain't kidding about the choss! And don't snub the locals when you are out there, a hello would at least be nice.... Paul
Edit to Add: Peter, I was hoping you would take my picture last Saturday when I was climbing the dirty chimney!
Finally checked it out. Disappointing.... Let's do the math, from Portland:
20 minutes to the ozone (with better rock, and lots more moderates than A51)
2 hrs, 20 minutes to A51
2 hrs, 40 minutes to Smith.
Why folks from Portland would go there is beyond me, I won't be back...
Kevin
By Peter Franzen Administrator From: Portland, OR Jul 13, 2007
I set up 4 different TRs when I was out there. Sorry if what I posted was misleading.
By elmo mecsko From: White Salmon, Washington Jan 28, 2008
It always blows me away to hear climbers rant about an area when they have nothing positive to say. It would be nice for people to really climb at an area a few times before making statements like "this place sucks" and "Why folks from Portland would go there is beyond me". Where would our sport be if not for the hard working folks who take the time to find new areas and put up new routes; show some respect to those who strive to make our sport better. If you do not like something about an area find a respectful way to post your concern.
As far as Area 51 is concerned, it is not my favorite crag, but it would be well worth the drive just to hike thru a very unique and beautiful ecosystem, as well as a good opportunity to meet some new climbers... plus there are some excellent routes that are well worth climbing. I have been climbing there for 7 years now and still find enjoyable routes that challenge me.
Thanks for letting me Rant! (and thanks for all the new routes over the last few years everyone!)
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