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Tower Rock

Washington > South-W & Tacoma > Columbia Gorge

Description

Very large (1200ft) basalt tower rising above the Cispus River in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. Beckey's "Cascade Alpine Guide" barely makes mention of this impressive, Yosemite-esque tower. There is a brief description of a single line climbed in the 80s in Beckey's book but I could find no other info for climbing here. Possibility for plenty of FA's on hard trad or aid lines. It is national forest so bolting could be possible as well.

Getting There

From I-5, take exit 68 onto Hwy 12 and drive all the way to the town of Randle. In the town of Randle take a right onto Cispus Rd/ NF-23. You will cross the Cispus River after 9 miles. From the river you will have your first view of the towering monolith on your right. Continue down Cispus Rd past the Learning Center until you reach NF-7605. Access from here.

Routes from Left to Right

5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 1
Ben's Route
Trad
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c A2-
 0
NW Face
Trad, Aid 13 pitches
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b C1-
 5
Rapunzel's Back in Rehab
Trad, Aid 14 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Ben's Route
 1
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad
NW Face
 0
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c A2- Trad, Aid 13 pitches
Rapunzel's Back in Rehab
 5
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b C1- Trad, Aid 14 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

A view of this andesite monolith from the base.
[Hide Photo] A view of this andesite monolith from the base.
Tower Rock with the first 250 feet of cliff not visible below.
[Hide Photo] Tower Rock with the first 250 feet of cliff not visible below.
Turn left just before this sign onto forest access road.
[Hide Photo] Turn left just before this sign onto forest access road.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Billcoe
Pacific Northwet
[Hide Comment] 1200 feet of vertical. The base where Rapunzel starts, is 2149 feet elevation per Gaia, the top is 3354 feet. Apr 10, 2020