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The Castle Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Castle

Unknown Climb Up the Castle S 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c

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Elevation:	2,611 ft
GPS:	46.41315, -117.68858 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	243 total · 11/month
Shared By:	markthomas on Jun 26, 2022
Admins:	Jon Nelson, Micah Klesick, Zachary Winters Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

The Castle is a small pinnacle of rock about 45 feet high that is situated on the crest of a ridge just west of the confluence of Spangler Creek and East Fork Touchet River (see map 2). Unlike the other rock climbing areas in this guide, the Castle is not eroded from a dike; it consists of parts of 3 lava flows of the Columbia River basalt. The short vertical columns at the base of the flows is dense and hard, while the rock in the upper part of each flow is more fractured and full of small holes called vesicles, produced by gas bubbles in the lava.

Getting There

To reach The Castle, drive to the Middle Point Ridge trailhead, turn around, and head back down the road. After 0.6 mile, the Castle is visible straight ahead atop a ridge. If, after this imposing view, you are not too intimidated, drive another 0.6 mile and park on the right (east) side of the road where a dirt road from Spangler Creek valley intersects the main road. Cross the main road and make your way up a long and very steep hillside to the base of The Castle. All of the routes are on the south side and all were established on sunny, 50°+ winter days when Walla Walla was foggy and below freezing.