Squire Ridge Rock Climbing

Every climber in Bellingham has thought about Squire Ridge, whether they realize it or not. This is the band of rock east of I-5 near Alger, that can be easily seen from the freeway.

On a rainy day in 2014, Chris Koppl did a bit more than think about the crags on the ridge. That was when he made his first foray to them. What followed were several months of bushwhacking, hang-dogging and route development; work that ultimately led to several nice lines in the 5.10 to 5.12 range.

The climbing at Squire Ridge is often steep, and includes some combination of climbing through roofs, through heucos and on classic chuckanut slabs. Some of the lines are “traversey” by nature as they follow the most climbable features. All the routes require a strong head, as the lines were commonly developed on lead. As such, it would be a mistake to think of these routes as tightly bolted sport climbs. 

At the time of this writing, the approach to the base of the cliffs are…uncomfortable, bordering on terrible. The first part of the approach is pleasant on well-maintained trails and old roadbed/railroad grades. There are little kids, families, horses, mountain bikes and dogs all over the place on the 1.5 mile approach that takes you to where the real approach begins above the cliffs.

Above the cliffs…

That’s where things get tough. You have to follow faint trails through brush, brambles and on eroded and exposed hillsides. For this area to truly become popular, significant work will need to be made on this part of the approach…

At the time of this writing, there is wilderness flagging to the base of both areas at Squire Ridge.

NOTE: Wear long pants and bring work gloves. Garden sheers aren't a bad idea either!