Castle Rock

Climbing on Castle Rock 1978. Photo by Blitzo.

Description 

Castle Rock is home to many of the classic climbs in Tumwater Canyon, and is home to Washington's first multipitch, technical rock climb (Midway, Fred Beckey 1948). Historic climbs such as Angel Crack and Midway offer options for trad leaders seeking a range of difficulty from challenging to mellow routes. In general, the rock quality is excellent though many routes are highly polished from extensive traffic. Pitches leading to the summit of Castle rock can be somewhat indistinct and somewhat runout, offering an adventuresome feel on a well-traveled formation.

Castle Rock faces predominately southwest and can get a lot of sun. The rock is split by Logger's Ledge, a wide ledge halfway up the formation. Climbs on upper Castle begin from this ledge, which is reached by an obvious trail from the parking lot. Climbs on the lower half begin near the parking lot.

To descend from climbs which reach the summit of Castle Rock, follow a good climber's trail off the back of the formation down to Loggers Ledge.

Getting There 

Drive approximately 2 miles west up Highway 2 from Leavenworth. There is a large dirt parking lot on the "north" side of the road. From this parking lot, a signed trail leads to Logger's Ledge and upper Castle Rock. The approach is 10-15 minutes.

The Classics

Featured Route For Castle Rock

Das Musak 5.11d  WA : Leavenworth : ... : Castle Rock

The only sport route at Castle Rock (thanks to a couple of choppings), and a good one. Some bouldery moves off the deck put you square up with a power crux at the third bolt. There are cool moves the rest of the way; mostly sustained gently overhanging edges, with a deadpoint move to a rail and...well, I won't say anything about the end....[more]   Browse More Classics in WA

Photos of Castle Rock Slideshow

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Topping out on Castle Rock after cleaning up the b...

Climbing at Castle Rock, late 1970s. Photo by Blit...