So, I have friend coming from out of town for thxgiving. Given that it has precipitated almost every day this month in PDX, I'm not hopeful about lotso climbing happening. However, we'll be heading to Smith. Anyone got any recomendations for areas that tend to be drier than others in a light rain? I was thinking the Gorge?

Its usually not raining at Smith. The weather in PDX is not really relevant. However, if it is raining, there are several good spots to hang out. The area around Wartley's Revenge (Heresey, etc) is always dry, The Picnic Lunch Wall. Sometimes Aggro Gully is good if its not too windy, and the Churning Buttress can be good to. If its really a light rain, anything that is vertical will be ok (Dihedrals, Morning Glory).

Cool, definitely going...I was thinking in case of a worst case scenario.

I have recently heard of people climbing in the lower gorge during thunderstorms. I can't give any further advice since I have never done it myself. I guess its possible since a lot of the columnar routes turn in to overhanging choss above.

The picnic lunch wall is a good choice. Basically everything from Five Easy peices leftward remains dry. Belayer stays dry too.

Surprisingly enough Heinous Cling, Darkness at Noon, and Moonshine dihedral remain almost completely dry. Belayer and rope bag will get a little wet.

Climbing in the rain at Smith can be a fun, interesting experience... Just don't make a habit of it. A hot beverage makes the situation way more enjoyable.

Easy's Playhouse stays dry during the "rain." But like others have said, it really doesn't rain too much at Smith. I've found that if the NOAA forecast says anything less than 40% pop then you're pretty much set.

Good to know I'm used to sunny CA, where it never rains...almost.