The Dikes Rock Climbing

The Dikes are large fins of basalt that climb up the sides of the canyon of the North Fork of the Touchet River south of Dayton, Washington. Access is via the road that leads south from Dayton to the Bluewood ski area. The fins have been eroded into a series of towers separated by notches. Some of the routes (all are bolted) climb the edges of the towers (tend to be easier) while others climb the faces. The area is at 4000 ft elevation in the Blue Mountains and gets much more precipitation, and is cooler than the adjacent Columbia Basin, As a result, the rock can be somewhat mossy where it hasn't been removed by frequent climbing. The largest concentration of routes, and easiest to access, are located at the bases of the North Megadike and Minidike. For most routes, the climbing season is May-October, and it can be pleasantly cool and shady at The Dikes in mid summer when the Columbia Basin is roasting. The routes range in length for 30 to 150 ft. and the bolts tend to be closely spaced. There is not a very large climbing community near to The Dikes, so you are unlikely to encounter anyone else while there. It has a bit of a "jungle adventure" vibe. You may have to brush some pine needles or other debris off the holds (horrors!). Despite this, it's a fun place to climb and there are excellent routes for entry-level climbers. More info can be found at: people.whitman.edu/~pogue/c…