PRINT: Rock Climbing in Elwha River, Olympics & Pacific Coast

Elwha River

Washington > Olympics & Pacific Coast

Description

Sandstone and conglomerate climbing near the old lower dam site. See the movie "The Hunted" to have a look at the old dam. Climbing areas are located on both the west and east side of the river, the west side being the oldest area with the most climbing.

Getting There

Take HWY 101 west to HWY 112.

East-side climbs at Waka Beach and the Underhood can be accessed by taking the last left turn before the bridge as you head west on hwy 112. This is also the turnoff for the Lower Dam RV Park and the Kiosk built about the dam removal and Elwha restoration project. Please park in the gravel lot on the left after turning on to the lower dam road.

To access west-side climbs, at the Ehlwall, cross the Elwha river bridge as you head west on hwy 112 and park on the left side of the road at the trailhead parking for the Adventure Route section of the Olympic Discovery Trail. ANGLE PARK ONLY PLEASE!

PLEASE NOTE: the climbing in the Elwha River canyon is a privilege that can be taken away. The climbing resides within an area that is part of the river restoration project following the dam removal and is currently managed by Olympic National Park. As such, no camping, no fires and no dogs are allowed at the crags. Help us protect access, camp and have a fire somewhere else and leave your dogs at home.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Waka Beach on the Elwha River

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

mikehilbert
Tucson, AZ

FYI, this place is seriously sandbagged - either because of age of climbs, broken/worn away holds or both. Also, it doesn't help that there is a layer of friction reducing sand/dust on everything. Even the easiest of climbs here felt like 5.10s. If you're looking for seriously stout climbs, give it a go, otherwise, head to Tyler Peak crags for an easier outing. Jul 5, 2017

Carl Fischberg
Vancouver, WA

The wall looks really cool here, I second the slippery-sandyness though. We tried to do some of the routes on the right side of the wall and were pretty sketched out by the quality of the bolting. Most of the bolts are pretty rusted and surrounded by empty, torn up bolt holes(sometimes 4 or more). There are several different kinds of bolts on each route. We got the heeby-jeebies and left after a sport route and some bouldering around the base. The left side of the wall has clearly been redone fairly recently with glue-ins which looked decent. Jul 29, 2017

Scott Underwood

To explain a bit on what Carl mentioned: yes there are many rusted bolt heads and differing types of bolts on the routes at the Elwha. I think you will find similar circumstances at many crags around the country that were bolted in the same era. The local community is aware of the situation and aware of mixed metal use consequences--SS hangers and zinc-plated bolts=galvanic action and rusted out bolts. This is why an effort was begun in 2015 to re-bolt all of the routes at the Elhwa with SS glue-in bolts. So far, 8 routes have been rebolted and a 9th, "Slappin Skeeters", has been re-drilled in preparation for rebolting (that is why it appears there are "empty, torn up holes"--a notch is required for porper glue-in placement). Some of the old bolts refused to be removed and have been left in place until we can bring out the proper equipment to pull them or cut them off. Aug 3, 2017

Joshua Ong

We had our car broken into at the Olympic Adventure Trailhead :( I would recommend covering any bags you leave in the car. Aug 14, 2020

Princess Puppy Lovr
Rent-n, WA

If anyone wants to bolt new routes out here in the summer, I grew up on the peninsula and my mother wants to watch my newborn. I am mostly interested in 5.11s and 5.12s and have placed maybe 500 bolts. I still need to send the 12b and 12c if people want belays in the summer. -Trevor Apr 6, 2023

Mr Rogers
Pollock Pines and Bay area CA

Fun little crag. Not sandbagged at all. Fair grades, acceptable bolting.
Aesthetic is fantastic. Aug 2, 2023