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Rainbow Wall Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Rainbow Wall

L › R R › L A › Z

	Bait and Switch S 5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c
	Deep Fake S 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	No Route for Old Men S 5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
	Ocher Stoker S 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Pot of Gold S 5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c
	Ruddy Visage S 5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Scab Slab S 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Short Sword S 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Trogloditty S 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a

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Elevation:	3,082 ft	939 m
GPS:	46.32008, -117.65307 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	4,492 total · 80/month
Shared By:	kpinwalla2 on Jun 15, 2020
Admins:	Jon Nelson, Micah Klesick, Zachary Winters, Mitchell McAuslan Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

Rainbow Wall is a 30-40 ft. high cliff band of basalt that lies 500 ft. above Rainbow Lake in the Tucannon River Valley, which drains to the north from the Blue Mountains. The cliffs are quite solid for Columbia River basalt and have weathered to a reddish hue. The routes have 4-6 bolts and end at Metolius rap hangers or chains. Presently there are 9 routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.10d. The cliff lies at an elevation of 3000 ft. but faces SSW so is quite warm in the summer months. Best times to climb are April-June and September-November. A Discover Pass from WA Fish and Wildlife is required to park in the lots near Rainbow Lake. There are many areas to camp along the Tucannon River as it is very popular spot for folks who like to fish in the numerous well-stocked artificial "lakes" on the floodplain. You can also camp and buy provisions and gas at "The Last Resort", which is just a few miles from the crag.

Getting There

From the west, take US Hwy 12 to Dayton. On the east side of Dayton take Patit Creek Rd. to its intersection with Maloney Mtn. Road. Turn left (north) and descend steeply down Hartsock Grade to the Tucannon River Valley. Turn right (south) on the Tucannon River Road, drive 5.1 miles and turn left toward the Tucannon Fish Hatchery. Drive 0.4 mile and look for a pullout on the right (west) side of the road. You can also drive a bit farther and park at the lot for Rainbow Lake, which has restrooms. There is no approach trail at this time, so just walk up hillside, which is a little brushy for the first 100 yards, staying to the left (north) of the drainage. The cliff line becomes obvious as you ascend. From the east take US Hwy 12 through Pomeroy and turn left (south) onto Tatman Mtn. Rd. Turn right onto Linville Gulch Rd. and then descend into the Tucannon Valley via Blind Grade Rd. Turn left (south) onto the Tucannon River Rd. and drive 3.1 miles and turn left (east) toward the fish hatchery. From the north, take WA Hwy 261 through Washtucna and Starbuck to Hwy 12. Turn right (west) on Hwy 12 and drive 1.6 miles to the Tucannon River Rd. Turn left (south) and drive 22 miles to the Fish Hatchery Rd.