Name of area: Burnt River Limestone
Where:15 miles west of Durkee, OR
How do I get there from Walla Walla?:Take I-84 to The Durkee exit, 25 miles south of Baker City. At Durkee, head east, cross the railroad tracks and turn right (north) at the T intersection. Head northwest for a few miles until you come to the Burnt River Canyon road on your left. Head up the Burnt River Canyon for about 13 miles until you see a huge light-colored limestone buttress above you on the right side of the road.
How long of a drive is it? 3.25 hours
What's there?:Many large outcrops of good-quality limestone scattered on steep hillsides along the Burnt River canyon. There are (so far) approximately 40 bolted sport climbs developed by climbers from LaGrande and Boise. The highest concentration are on the northwest side of the first obvious large buttress on the right (north side of the road). Most of the climbs are in the 5.10+ - 5.12 range.
Land Ownership: BLM
Pros:good rock, uncrowded, great potential
Cons: long drive, mostly hard routes, rattlesnakes, steep uphill approaches, no guidebook
Comments:This area has great potential, check it out!