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Forty Bucks in the Dark

5.1, Trad, Sport, 45 ft (14 m),  Avg: 2.1 from 60 votes
FA: Luara House, Duane House
Washington > Central Region > Frenchman Coule… > Feathers > N Side

Description

Ample holds with five clips makes this a great beginner lead. Low angle, plenty of holds, but surprisingly little choss for how broken the rock looks. Crux is a blanker section around the fourth bolt.

Location

The tilted pillar left of Where the Sidewalk Ends. Far right side of the north Feathers.

Protection

5 bolts or pro to 3", anchor with rap chains.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Leading 40 bucks. A nice walk-up
[Hide Photo] Leading 40 bucks. A nice walk-up
This picture shows the true tilt of the route. (Shows only the first 3 bolts).
[Hide Photo] This picture shows the true tilt of the route. (Shows only the first 3 bolts).
Forty bucks in the dark. This picture was taken with the camera tilted. In reality this pillar is not an overhang, but the opposite of that. Look at the next picture for a better idea of the tilt of the pillar.
[Hide Photo] Forty bucks in the dark. This picture was taken with the camera tilted. In reality this pillar is not an overhang, but the opposite of that. Look at the next picture for a better idea of the tilt o…
Soloing.
[Hide Photo] Soloing.
An actually clear photo of Forty Bucks in the Dark.
[Hide Photo] An actually clear photo of Forty Bucks in the Dark.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Riley Cahoon
West Linn
  5.5
[Hide Comment] Great beginner lead. But folks... the grading of the feathers is probably as accurate as Donald Trumps toupee.. which is dog feces.. this route is NOT 5.0. there are literally routes directly next to this route that are even easier with a higher grade. If you hear your friends blurting out absurd, obscure gradings, call them out! Just call it low fifth class if you have no idea. Apr 12, 2021
michael faith
Bellingham, WA
  5.0
[Hide Comment] I can't comment on the absurd grade creep that has been happening with new development but this grade comes from the Frenchman Coulee guidebook. Sounds like people are bolting 3rd and 4th class rock? Apr 17, 2021
Tyler Stockdale
Joshua Tree
  5.14 R
[Hide Comment] Lol, did someone get sandbagged on their first 5.0? Jun 21, 2022
Niklaus Gier
[Hide Comment] IMPORTANT: climber's right side anchor bolt is rusted through and BOTH hangar and nut can be hand rotated/loosened. Climber's left anchor bolt had some rust but not loose or free to rotate. Lower bolts on the route also show some rust but not loose10/15/23 Hoping this is visible enough to prevent any injuries. Otherwise great beginner lead Oct 16, 2023