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Seasonal Bird Closure MORE INFO >>> The lower Tieton crags (Royal Columns and the Bend) are closed for raptor nesting beginning February 1 each year. Depending on nest location and success, the closure can be lifted as early as April or as late as July. Details at www.washingtonclimbers.org/Climbing/tieton.htm This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

The Cave

Description 

Located about midway up the Tieton River Canyon, the Cave has close to 50 routes, nearly all of them sport climbs. The highlight is the Middle Wall, a 100-foot face of blocky, sometimes overhanging entablature rock chock full of 5.11s. The Middle Wall is flanked on either side by lower (~ 40 foot) columns, with Mark's Wall on the left and the Oak Wall on the right.

The Oak Wall and Middle Wall face southeast and get morning sun, coming into the shade in early afternoon in summer. Winter climbing at the Cave is often possible (with the sun staying on the crag longer than in summer), although Mark's Wall can be windy.

The crag's name might seem puzzling, since there's no apparent cave anywhere at the cliff. The name comes from a cave on the far left (west) end of the formation, out of sight and beyond all the established routes. It's not a climbing feature. If you explore, don't be surprised if a raven suddenly explodes from a dark recess and you whap your head on the ceiling.

Getting There 

Heading west on Highway 12, pass the twin bridges over the Tieton at Windy Point. After rounding a rightward bend and coming upon a slow vehicle lane (around MP 175), look up the hill to the right for the crag. Turn left into a gravel parking area directly below the crag, just before another rightward bend in the highway. (There's dirtbag camping by the river here.)

A trail begins directly across the highway from the parking area, reaching the crag at Mark's Wall.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Cave

Relics 5.11a  WA : Tieton River : ... : Middle Wall

Well protected, positive holds. Crux starts as the rock becomes steeper. Finish at anchor set below roof....[more]   Browse More Classics in WA