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Lower Gorge

Submitted By: Karsten on Jan 29, 2006
Administrator: Peter Franzen
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Pano shot of the West Side Columns of the Lower Go...


Description 

The Lower Gorge is Smith's best "secret." In a park known for its sport lines lies an impeccable collection of cracks. The lower gorge contains more four star cracks than bolts. The majority of the climbs range from easy 5.10 into the .12's.

Even on Smith's busiest days there are usually only a handful of crack connoisseurs in this serene area. The Gorge is composed of a series of striking vertical basalt columns located on both sides of the crooked river. The rock is generally of superb quality with sometimes sharp edges and good friction.

Although the most classic crack lines were done long ago there are still a few new mixed lines going up as well as 2nd pitches going to the top of the formation.


Getting There 

There are several popular ways to descend into the crack mecca depending on which side of the river you want to climb. As spring turns into summer the river goes down allowing for adventurous boulder hoppers to ford the river and get quick access to both the east and west sides of the river.

West Collums approaches:
From the turnaround at the northern end of the parking area head East to the rim. Find a place where there are detached pillars and a rebar ladder going down a chimney. Climb down this chimney and head upriver (southeast). After crossing a large slide of small boulders you'll see the start of many pillars that are the lower gorge.

A second method of descent is my preference. This "secret entrance" once went through private property but now is owned by the park. This way also starts at the turnaround parking lot. Park and then head back up the road until you see a driveway leading to a house on the east. This house is now owned by the park. Go behind the house and through a gate. Walk along the rim for about a 100ft to find an improbable but easy 3rd class descent into the gorge.

East side Columns descent:
Descend the main trail toward the river. Cross the bridge and follow a nice trail next to the river to the right. Make sure to stay near the river as alternate trails head to other areas of the park. Pass the student wall, a series of shorter columns, until you arrive a the longer colums of the lower gorge.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Lower Gorge:
Cruel Sister   5.10a     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   West Side : Catwalk Cliff
Gruff   5.10a     Trad, 1 pitch, 75 feet   West Side : Wildfire Wall
Quasar   5.10a     Trad, 1 pitch, 75 feet   West Side : Catwalk Cliff
Patent Leather Pump   5.10a     Trad, 1 pitch, 65 feet   West Side : Catwalk Cliff
Cornercopia   5.10b     Trad, 1 pitch   West Side : Wildfire Wall
Hand Job   5.10b     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   East Side : Hand Job Wall
Wildfire   5.10b     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   West Side : Wildfire Wall
Rim Job   5.10b     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   West Side : Wildfire Wall
Blood Clot   5.10b     Trad, 1 pitch, 90 feet   West Side : Catwalk Cliff
Bad Finger   5.10b     Trad   West Side : Wildfire Wall
Last Chance   5.10c     Trad, 1 pitch, 90 feet   West Side : Catwalk Cliff
Morning Star   5.10c     Trad, 1 pitch, 70 feet   West Side : Star Wall
Prometheus   5.10c     Trad, 1 pitch, 90 feet   West Side : Catwalk Cliff
Much Ado About Nothing   5.10d     Trad, 1 pitch, 100 feet   East Side : Shakespeare Cliff
Pure Palm   5.11a     Sport, 80 feet   West Side : Wildfire Wall
On The Road   5.11a     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   West Side : Wildfire Wall
Master Looney   5.11a     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   East Side : Arrington Columns
Crime Wave   5.11b PG13     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   West Side : Wildfire Wall
Crack-A-No-Go   5.11b PG13     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   West Side : Catwalk Cliff
White Trash   5.12a     Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet   West Side : Wildfire Wall
Browse More Classics in Lower Gorge

Featured Route For Lower Gorge
Ian low on Cruel Sister. Crack-a-no-go and Blood Clot can be seen to the right. Photo courtesy of Lee Perlow.

Cruel Sister 5.10a  OR : Smith Rock : ... : Catwalk Cliff
This is one of the Mega-classics of the gorge and Smith. It is one of the finest handcracks you'll ever do. The crack starts as tight hands and gradually widens to fists at the top. Easily the most popular climb in the gorge be prepared to wait for this climb on nice days. Still, the wait is worth it!!!...[more]   Browse More Classics in OR


Photos of Lower Gorge Slideshow Add Photo
Shakespeare Wall

BETA PHOTO: Shakespeare Wall


Comments on Lower Gorge Add Comment
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By Peter Franzen
Administrator
From: Portland, OR
Oct 1, 2006

Also worth mentioning is that the West Side of the gorge is almost always in the shade due to its orientation. For climbers seeking a respite from the scorching heat of the main area this is a great place to cool off.

By Joel Sprenger
From: Terrebonne, OR
Nov 17, 2007

Does anyone know about the routes on the Shakespeare wall not listed in the Watts guide? Specifically the bolted route on the left side of the wall, the top was hard

By Joel Sprenger
From: Terrebonne, OR
Nov 17, 2007

Also, a camera was found in the lower gorge on 10-28-07 near the Hand Job wall. Send me a email at climbonrock@aol.com if it is yours.