Smith Rocks Rock Climbing

WARNING - this area is currently closed to climbing thanks to the thoughtless actions of a few discourteous people. Check at Bryce's Outdoor Centre for more information and current status.

That said, the rock at Smith Rocks is "ignimbrite"--a type of volcanic rock that was buried, then exposed by erosion; it's made up of hundreds and thousands of pocks, from tiny to huge, that might go in for meters, or millimeters. It's EXTREMELY sharp, and care should be taken when climbing to not slice one's fingers. It also is brittle, and will not accept any type of trad gear; all the climbing here is sport, and bolted with 12" glue-in bolts put in at a downward angle for added strength and safety. The nice thing about this type of rock is that you can climb it in the pouring rain; the friction is unbelieveable.

The man responsible for opening this area is Bryce Martin, owner of Bryce's Outdoor Centre; he's also responsible for nearly every FA in the place, and has essentially written the guidebook.

The routes are at different "crags", spread out over the entirety of a cow pasture system; approach times range from 15-45 minutes, generally over muddy lanes with a slog across a field at the end. Wellingtons or high rubber boots are VERY HIGHLY recommended, as the mud and cow pies are everywhere.