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Spire Gully
Washington
> Northwest Region
> Hwy 20 & N Casc…
> N Cascades
> Washington Pass
> Hairpin Crags
Access Issue: Washington Pass Fire Closure Lifted
Details
Washington Pass Climbing was closed on 8/15/23 due to the Blue Lake Fire until further notice. On 9/7/23 this closure was reduced in size. On 9/22 this was reduced again, opening all WA Climbing Routes. For remaining closures, see:
fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/a…
Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closure at Newhalem Crags March 1st to mid-July
Details
Peregrine falcons select nest sites on cliffs in the Upper Skagit Valley, including the Climbing Management Areas of Newhalem West (Ryan’s Wall) and Newhalem East. As required in the NPS Superintendent’s Compendium, these areas will be closed to all public from March 1st to July 15th of each year, or until the young falcons have fledged or NPS staff have determined that nesting will not occur on a specific wall during this period. Access Fund, Washington Climbers Coalition and NPS partner on a volunteer raptor monitoring program to determine nesting activity. Contact the NPS and/or WCC for updates.
Description
This popular ski line is now home to many bolted routes. Good rock and a choice of sun or shade.
Information comes from Brian Burdo's "Mazama Granite: Cool Cragging in the Cascades" booklet, available at Goat's Beard in Mazama.
If you know the names or history of these routes, please let me know and I will add them.
Getting There
From the hairpin, look up toward South Early Winters Spire. Spire Gully is visible below and a bit left. The approach will be snow covered in early season, otherwise follow the trail uphill. Seven minute approach.