PRINT: Rock Climb Navy Seals, Squamish

Navy Seals

5.10a, Trad, 30 ft (9 m),

Avg: 2 from 1 vote
FA: Luc Mailloux, Drew Brayshaw July 1999
International > N America > Canada > British Columbia > Squamish > Seal Cove

Access Issue: Camping Details

The popularity of Squamish within the #vanlife community has increased to the point that there is great concern about the group’s collective environmental impact. “Wild” or “Freedom” camping has become unmanageable environmentally because of the high numbers of campers. This is a serious issue that causes conflict between locals, home owners, and climbers!

VAN CAMPING / WILD CAMPING

Within District Boundaries

The  District of Squamish PROHIBITS camping within the municipal boundary. This includes sleeping in a vehicle anywhere within District boundaries. A bylaw gives the District the power to issue tickets for contraventions.

Camping on urban / residential streets is prohibited under pre-existing bylaws.

The “hot spots” that have been of most concern are below.

· The whole of the Mamquam Forest Service Road under the North Walls of the Chief between the junction with the 99 and junction with the Stawamus/Indian Arm Forest Service Road (as a salmon run and sensitive riparian area, camping close to the Stawamus River is especially inappropriate)

· The Powerhouse Springs Road including the parking area for the Fern Hill cliff

· The dirt road to the kitesurfing “Spit.”

Outside of District Boundaries

If you explore forest roads in crown land outside the municipal boundaries, it may be possible to find discreet roadside sites suitable for tents or van camping. However, the provincial authorities do have some restrictions ;

· Stays are limited to 14 days.

· Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles. HUMAN WASTE is a major issue.

· Strictly observe any current fire bans.

DESIGNATED CAMPGROUNDS

Please see the District of Squamish website for a comprehensive list of designated campgrounds.

Recommended affordable camping:

- At the Chief: Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground BC parks site, spots start at $10.00 CAD/person. No reservations.
- 7 minutes north: Mamquam River Campground A non-profit site, spots start at $15.00cad/night for a drive-in site. Reservations recommended, not required.
- 20 minutes north: Chek Canyon Recreation Site A public site; no fees, no reservations and world class sport-climbing. No running water. The road is steep and rough but 4x4 not required

Description

This is a flaring chimney through a roof which is on the other side of the cove from the other Seal Cove routes and faces them across the beach.

The start is dependent on low tide and is covered by up to 2 m of water at high tide. Don't get stuck belaying at the base while the tide comes in, as on the first attempt.

The chimney both flares and leans and is best climbed left side in. Wriggling leads to a palm-and-elbow, knee-and-heel opposed section to the top. A fun and challenging width to practice on.

Location

When you hit the beach at Seal Cove, this route is about 40 m north of the other climbs and faces them on a south-facing craglet forming the other side of the cove.

Protection

Gear to 4". The crack in the back slowly widens so one of 1" to 4" should do it.

No bolts on top. Tie off a tree and salal bushes than scramble down to the east.