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.
BETA PHOTO: Moon Rocks
Description
A small, but concentrated cliff of andesite columns with some steep, long crack climbs and a few bearhug-style sport routes. Named for an incident involving the crag's proximity to the highway, a passing motorist, and a climber's exposed buttocks.
Most routes can be easily toproped from a nice topout ledge (reachable by hiking up a gully left of the crag).
Shade most of the day, comes into the sun in late afternoon.
Getting There
The obvious crag of striking parallel columns on the south side of the Tieton River, about 3 miles west of the Royal Columns. Pull off into a large parking area just before the crag is visible (WDFW parking decal required) and cross the river on a lawsuit-waiting-to-happen footbridge. Turn right on the Tieton Nature Trail and hike west till you see an obvious trail branching left and up the hill toward the crag. Stay on this trail longer than you think you should and you'll come to a side trail to the crag.
Moon Rocks
Printer Friendly View
RSS Feed
