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Darrington Area


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Darrington Area

Darrington rock climbing features granite domes in scenic mountain valleys in or near the edge of the Boulder River Wilderness in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The Clear Creek and Squire Creek valleys have been mined and logged, but many big trees remain. The area is not only beautiful, but rugged and remote. The climbing is not sport climbing, though generally moderate in steepness, the rock offers few positive edges compared to a sport crag or gym so that footwork and balance are emphasized over finger strength and power.

getting there

The Clear Creek Road (Forest Road 2060) is open as of May 2014. According to Forest Service designation, the current main road after a fork about 6 mi from the Mountain Loop Highway is a spur road, Forest Road 2065, and this road too is in good shape to the Eightmile Creek Trailhead about 6.5 mi from the Mountain Loop Highway.

Approach

Approach hikes range from twenty minutes to two or three hours on rough or unmaintained trails, and may include stream crossings, brush, and scrambling. The rock is generally solid but, as with any exfoliating granite, large flakes can and do peel off from time to time. Though rare, such an occurrence could kill someone. On this generally low angled rock, falls will result in the climber being scraped or banged against the rock.

Climbing areas

The type of climbing is multi-pitch, on granite slabs, walls and aprons, generally two to ten pitches in length. The rock is so solid that, while cracks and flakes are commonly used for protection, entire pitches ascend unbroken slab or knobby face where bolt protection is the only option.

  • Three O'Clock Rock
  • Comb Buttress
  • Green Giant Buttress
  • Exfoliation Dome (Blueberry Hill and Witch Doctor Wall)

Notes

  • Cell phone coverage is poor.
  • Emergency help is far away.
  • The area is rainy, even for Western Washington, and some climbs may take two days or more to dry out after a rainfall. On hot days, the white granite intensifies the sun so that climbers may want protective clothing in addition to sunscreen and extra water. Bugs can be bothersome, generally mid-season.

This information borrowed from Matt Perkins' website. Check it out for more information! Thanks, Matt!

  • Suitable Activities: Climbing
  • Climbing Category: Rock Climb
  • Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Crag Rock Climb
  • Length: 1.0 mi
  • Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
    Darrington Ranger District (MBSNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 40
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Green Trails Skykomish No. 175
Activities
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Green Giant Buttress
  • Three O'Clock Rock
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