Tanana River Bluffs Rock Climbing

The Tanana River Bluffs have seen little activity until 2020. To the north, Mitchell Point, which lies on property owned by the Boy Scouts of America, has been used by the Boy Scouts for decades as an introductory rock climbing area but has seen little development and public access is tricky. Upriver of Mitchell Point (South) lie many large granite outcrops with continuous cracks and features that make for very enjoyable climbing. While the rock leaves something to be desired in places, it does clean up with traffic and is generally safe to climb on. The rock consists of granite from the Birch Lake Pluton with characteristic large feldspar phenocrysts. Nearly all rock faces are south facing and riverfront, making for a very sunny and warm environment with a beautiful view of the Hayes Range across the Tanana River. Route development at the bluffs is in it's infancy but will continue to expand with effort from Interior Alaska Climbers. Established routes necessitate traditional climbing gear or toproping.