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.
Description
The Oasis is the most reliable winter crag in the Tieton, with 15 or so sport routes ranging from 5.8 to easy 5.12. The sun stays on the wall almost the entire day and you can often strip down to a T-shirt in 45-degree weather.
The downside is that the rock is definitely chossier than other Tieton crags, with a tree bark like patina layer that has a fair number of hollow flakes and edges. Oh, and there's some gravelly decomposed stuff too. Even still, the rock is generally as good as anything you'll find at Vantage, and there are some fun routes to be had.
The Windy Point Columns are located down the hill and slightly east of the Oasis. This largely undocumented area has some short column climbs on so-so rock.
Watch for ticks in the spring.
Getting There
Heading west on Highway 12, park just before the twin bridges crossing the Tieton. Hike up the hill to the crag.
The Oasis
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