Hi!

I am planning a backpacking trip to the olympic nat. forest this june, and will likely simply be backpacking along the coast, north of oil city.

I was wondering if there are any boulders worthy of scrambling up on the beaches in this region of WA, or any sport or trad crags around there that would be worth a day stop as I drive in or out of the forest.

I will be coming from portland, and returning to portland.

probably will just bring the shoes anyway, in case i do find some fun beach boulders, but if there are any noteables i would hate to miss them.

thanks!

NW born, but loving SLC now,

rob duncan

I usually spend my summers back home on the Peninsula. Because of that, I tend to consider summer the "off season" for climbing. There isn't too much climbing to be had (aside from alpine) on the peninsula; but it is there if you look.

The best resource is the new Olympic Climber's Guide. It is predominantly an alpine book, but there is a section covering most of the cragging in the area.

The closest area to you is the El-Wall. It is located near the elwah dam, and features steep sandstone sport climbs. It can get really squishy when it rains, though.

The majority of the climbable rock in the Olympics is on the eastern basalt. There are scattered crags all around highway 101 south of Quilcine.

With the abundance of amazing mountain climbs, cragging in the Olympics is something of an act of desperation.

Rob, The Elwha is dry and in season. Even if it rains now, because of the steep overhanging nature of the place, you can climb in the rain (if that appeals to you) without getting wet.

The routes are pumpy and interesting, many are of surprisingly good quality for a local crag.

The Sore Thumb area on the west side is also worth a look if you're in the neighborhood.

You can pick up the guidebook Phillip mentioned at Port Book and News in Port Angeles; also here's a site with plenty of local beta: http://www.olympicpeninsularockclimbing.com/Default.aspx?tab>>>>>