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Cumberland Crags

Washington > Northwest Region > Hwy 20 & N Casc… > Other Skagit Valley C…

Description

A variety of climbing- cracks, bolted slabs, and overhangs. Original routes were put up in the 70's by Dallas Kloke and friends. The crag made a comeback in 2005-present and now hosts 50+ pitches between Coal and 7 Mile Rock. The rock quality ranges from bomber to choss. New route setters should be prepared to scrub the black lichen which coats many of the walls. With that said, underneath the lichen there are some high quality established lines and potential routes available. As of now the focus has been 5.6-5.12c but there are some steep looking walls for hard men and women in the future. Sub Alpine secluded climbing. Good rock quality. Lots of good long cracks for western WA. Good variety of climbing and plenty of exposure with very short approaches.

Getting There

From Seattle:
Take the College Way exit, Mount Vernon. Take a right on College Way. Drive through Mount Vernon on College Way (apox. 3 miles) to the Hwy 9 round-about. Take a left and head north on hwy 9 for 4.2 miles. Take a left on South Skagit Hwy. Follow this road along the river and through farmlands for 11.6 miles and take a right onto Cumberland/Finney rd. marked National Forest rd. 17 (dirt rd). Click on the individual crags to get exact mileages to each one from the NF 17 turn off.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

View of a cloudy Mt Baker from the 2nd anchor line
[Hide Photo] View of a cloudy Mt Baker from the 2nd anchor line
There is a good pull out on your way down the hill to stop, drink a beer and watch the sun go down. Looking out over the Skagit River Valley and the San Juan Islands.
[Hide Photo] There is a good pull out on your way down the hill to stop, drink a beer and watch the sun go down. Looking out over the Skagit River Valley and the San Juan Islands.
View from the top of the main wall at Coal Mountain. Dakobed (Glacier Peak) in the distance.
[Hide Photo] View from the top of the main wall at Coal Mountain. Dakobed (Glacier Peak) in the distance.
The impressive main wall at Coal Mountain. Gets into the shade about 3 or 4pm mid summer.
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Photo: Adam Starecheski
[Hide Photo] The impressive main wall at Coal Mountain. Gets into the shade about 3 or 4pm mid summer. Photo: Adam Starecheski
Beth starting up "Purdy Mouth"
[Hide Photo] Beth starting up "Purdy Mouth"

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

wakaranai
Mount Vernon, WA
[Hide Comment] Looks good Thad! Jun 26, 2013
CameraisHeavy
Everett, wa
[Hide Comment] Sweet Thanks. May 26, 2015
CameraisHeavy
Everett, wa
[Hide Comment] Thanks for the update! May 19, 2017
[Hide Comment] Probably the best close climbing to Whatcom county. May 30, 2020