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Sluice Box

5.9, Trad, 40 ft (12 m),  Avg: 2.4 from 20 votes
FA: unknown
Washington > South-W & Tacoma > Columbia Gorge > Wankers Columns

Description

Start up easy ledges (start of Nuggets) and then squeeze into the stem box. If the bottom section of the box was cleaned you could start straight up stemming probably... Mid section allows you to have some moves using the arête right/left. The final 2/3 is steeper and requires strenuous stemming.

Location

Look for a clean continual box between two really solid columns. To the left of Nuggets.

Protection

Pro up to 1". Easily found in the cracks to the left and right in the box if kept clean.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Demonstrating the stemming that gets you up. Did not have a pic of the lead...
[Hide Photo] Demonstrating the stemming that gets you up. Did not have a pic of the lead...
Jacob stemming his way to the top. Had the place to ourselves on a beautiful sunday in April
[Hide Photo] Jacob stemming his way to the top. Had the place to ourselves on a beautiful sunday in April
Solid solid pro up to 1" all the way.
[Hide Photo] Solid solid pro up to 1" all the way.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Sage Bedell
Seattle, WA
  5.9
[Hide Comment] Great climb and very safe lead. Feb 9, 2021
El Mono
 
[Hide Comment] I detest chimneys in every shape and form but I kinda like this route. Start traversing up right, kinda play around and face climb the blocky stuff, avoiding your inevitable fate inside the chimney. Eventually all that dies out and you have to stuff your butt against the left wall. Then start scumming up. Sorry dude, this is chimney land :( If you can lap this 50x in 1 day you're ready for Epinephrine (so I've heard) May 24, 2021
Nate Ball

  5.6
[Hide Comment] I don't understand how this can be 5.9. If you're not chimneying this thing, you're doing it wrong. The bottom is low-angle with face holds, and the upper bit you would have to try to fall out of... you barely even need to use your hands! Apr 23, 2023
Riley Cahoon
West Linn
  5.9
[Hide Comment] Loved this route. I didn’t use any face holds and stayed in the chimney ramp from the get go. Definitely added a level of difficulty. May 30, 2023