Tumwater Canyon

Description 

Tumwater Canyon is the northern companion to Icicle Creek. Similar in character and rock type (quartz diorite) to Icicle Creek, the biggest difference between the canyons is the presence of Highway 2, the major route connecting Leavenworth to western Washington, and a source of pesky road noise at some crags. There are fewer crags in Tumwater than Icicle, but some great ones-- Castle Rock and Midnight Rock offer longer trad climbing, while Clem's Holler and surrounding crags offer numerous sport climbs.

There is camping in the canyon at Tumwater Campground, and several campgrounds in Icicle Creek Canyon, a short drive away.

Getting There 

Drive west from Leavenworth on Highway 2. Mileages are typically reported from the intersection of Highway 2 and the intersection with Icicle Creek Road on the west side of town.

Featured Route For Tumwater Canyon

Canary 5.8  WA : Leavenworth : Castle Rock

Canary ascends from the right side of Logger's Ledge and reaches the top of Castle Rock in 2 pitches (3 may be necessary with a 50m rope). A memorable line, Canary combines interesting climbing with terrific exposure.Approximately 100 feet to the left of Saber, a short section of face climbing leads to a right facing dihedral and a broken crack system that reaches the left side of Saber ledge. This is the start of Canary.P1. Begin by climbing ...[more]