The Dikes photos
Sarah Towery on Redtail Arete - 5.7
Paul Parker on Safety Dance - 5.8
Doug Juers on Heinous Thing - 5.10b
Weeping Wall photos
photo 1 climber - Brien Sheedy
photo 2 climber - Ryan Porter
photo 3 climber - Kevin Pogue
Where: about 18 miles south of Dayton, WA.
How do I get there from Walla Walla?: Head east on Hwy 12 to Dayton. Turn right onto the road to Bluewood ski area in downtown Dayton. Drive 1.1 miles past the Middle Point Ridge Trailhead parking area and park on the left (southeast) side of road. The ice (if it's there) is just across the river; a trail leading to some of the routes on The Dikes begins on the other side of the road near a culvert.
How long of a drive is it? 1.0 hour
What's there?: (The Dikes) - Large fins of basalt protruding from steep hillsides in forest. See the guide. Presently about 30 bolted routes from 5.2 to 5.11c and 30 to 140 ft. in height spread over a wide area. (Weeping Wall) - Wall of ice about 40 ft. high and about 100 ft. wide with many options for routes in the WI3-5 range. The routes end on a ledge with bolted anchors that may be buried in ice - look for old ropes or slings on th ledge and follow them to the bolts. The ice forms up most years for at least a couple of weeks. Email me if you want to know if it's "in".
Land Ownership: Umatilla National Forest
Pros: Very close to Walla Walla. Uncrowded. Some routes ascend spires with small airy summits that have no "walk-up". Many routes are cool and shady at the height of summer. Some very good beginner routes
Cons: This is bolted adventure climbing. These routes do not see much traffic and as a result you may encounter dirt and loose rock. It may be safer to climb than to belay on some routes. Helmets and common sense are mandatory. Approaches to some routes are very steep and trailess.
Comments: Probably not worth the drive unless you live in Walla Walla, but then it's definitely worth the drive.
