Banks Lake Ice Climbing Climbing

Banks Lake contains the highest concentration of ice climbs in Central WA.  Most years at least a few climbs will come in but every 5-8 years there is a good winter where as many as 60 pitches of ice form along SR 155.  Most of the climbs are concentrated between MP 8 and 17 but there are a few climbs both before and after that range.  Approaches are short and almost all the climbs can be seen from the road.  The climbing at Banks has a reputation of being stiff, and sometimes difficult to protect.  But on a good year the main climbs get beat into submission and some even become hooked out just like Hyalite.  The season as Banks is typically short (less than 3 weeks) and it usually takes 2-3 weeks of cold weather before the climbs come into condition.  But during a banner year, climbs like Zenith or The Cable rival Hyalite or Canada status in terms of quality of climbing.  Finally many of the climbs end in thick brush.  Bringing a small pair of clippers or just putting in a v-thread before the brush will enhance the fun factor.

Marlin Thorman created a Cal Topo Map to assist in locating the climbs.  If the link is broken or you have issues with the map please contact him.