Name of area: Beacon Rock
Where: In the Columbia River Gorge east of Portland
How do I get there from Walla Walla?: Take Hwy. 12 toward Tri-Cities. At Wallula Gap head south on Hwy. 730 toward Umatilla. Stay on 730 until it intersects I-84. Head west on I-84 until you reach exit 44 at Cascade locks. Cross the river into Washington and turn west on Hwy. 14. You'll be at Beacon Rock State Park in a few miles.
How long of a drive is it? 4 hours
What's there?: Spectacular cracks in columnar basalt and some bolted sport routes. Multi pitch crack routes.
Land Ownership: Washington State Parks
Pros: Beautiful setting, classic crack climbs.
Cons: Gorge weather, poison ivy, seasonal closings for raptor nesting. Thundering freight trains on the tracks below the cliff.
Comments: Bag a few routes on your way to or from Portland then head east on Hwy. 14 to Carson Hot Springs for good food and a soak. Pick up a guidebook at REI or Oregon Mountain Community in Portland.