There are a few side trip possibilities. There is bouldering right out of Boise, Id. There is boulder and sport climbing just north of Spokane and don't forget Smith Rocks. The later two are a bit off your path, but the Boise stuff is not far.
Kevin (Screamer)
· 1 year ago
Don't worry about the drive, not even close to driving to the Red River Gorge. Now thats a drive (won't be doing that again).
WasatchGirl
· 1 year ago
Kevn, Thanks so much for the feedback. Rach
Sara
· 1 year ago
Hey, honey!
If you haven't been to Smith Rock, it's worth the side trip. If you go during the week, it's especially worth the side trip... you can visit all the classic sport routes in the main river valley with fewer crowds than on weekend days.
If you're going to spend a night in Seattle, let me know! I can ferry over and introduce myself, if not get out to climb... not to knock my home crags, but if your destination is Squamish, I'd probably hit Smith and then buzz right up to the Squish. Vantage/Leavenworth/Index/Spokane and other Washington climbing is great... (you may have the most fun at Index?) but given the choice I'd just go get started at Squamish and spend as much time there as you can.
I haven't climbed a lot of the areas at Squamish... I've climbed at Smoke Bluffs (highly recommended -- lots of moderate trad, beautiful views, ultra classic routes... you *must* do the Zip, 10a and visit Penny Lane for some fun harder stuff); Murrin (eh, okay - some of it was really fun, but it's right on the highway so not as spectacular though there are turtles (real, live turtles) in the water which is cool). Chekamus is one of the areas folks go for sport climbing but I've personally been underwhelmed there (although I have visited a number of times and have had fun -- I just don't seem to have as *much* fun there as other places). I did my first trip up the Apron two weeks ago and it was phenomenal... super fun, beautiful views, nice and exposed... if you guys can get on the Chief, by all means, do it. I haven't done any really long routes there yet, but I can't wait to.
The camping at the Chief is really lovely... there are drive-in and walk-in sites, and it's a friendly, climber-dominated atmosphere. Part of my love of Squamish is rolling in during the middle of the night, sleeping out, and then waking up under the Chief in the morning.
Eat at the Howe Sound Brewing Co.... yammer jammers (sweet potato fries) are incredible, and I haven't ever been disappointed by a meal there. There is a great gear shop in town (Valhalla) and the grocery store right when you come into town is superb (although, remember that you'll have to buy beer elsewhere... I'd recommend looking up how much beer you can cross the border with and then buying in the US since beer in Squamish is EXPENSIVE). The deli in the grocery, last time I was up, had vegetable samosas which are my new favorite Squamish food (even cold, they make a great climbing day breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I may be up one of the weekends you're there... keep me posted? I'd line up my own partners so you wouldn't be stuck with a moderate-addict, but it would be fun to meet up at camp! Let me know what window you'll actually be in Squamish... I'll be in Tahoe at the end of your trip (if everything goes well... I'm hoping to take a solo trip of my own at the end of June) but the beginning/middle I'll be around.
Happy planning, and talk to you soon!
KatieC
· 1 year ago
Sounds like an awesome trip. Have a great time and climb hard! Let's get out when you return!!
Jen M.
· 1 year ago
You are going to have a great time. I haven't been to Squamish, but I've been to several other parts of British Columbia. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you want some good side trips, I highly recommend checking out Vancouver Island and driving around the Olympic Peninsula on Highway 101.
Joshua James
· 1 year ago
Hi Rachel,
Had no idea you were such an accomplished traveler/backpacker! Let me know if you need a hot springs hook-up (directions/GPS) along your route... there are plenty! And, I personally know which are the best in ID-OR-WA. ;)
My good friend is currently a Ranger at Denali... I am hoping to spend some time there soon. Very excited!!
In Peace,
(disruptive on twitter)
WasatchGirl
· 1 year ago
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it! Best. Rachel
All Comments
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Rach
If you haven't been to Smith Rock, it's worth the side trip. If you go during the week, it's especially worth the side trip... you can visit all the classic sport routes in the main river valley with fewer crowds than on weekend days.
If you're going to spend a night in Seattle, let me know! I can ferry over and introduce myself, if not get out to climb... not to knock my home crags, but if your destination is Squamish, I'd probably hit Smith and then buzz right up to the Squish. Vantage/Leavenworth/Index/Spokane and other Washington climbing is great... (you may have the most fun at Index?) but given the choice I'd just go get started at Squamish and spend as much time there as you can.
I haven't climbed a lot of the areas at Squamish... I've climbed at Smoke Bluffs (highly recommended -- lots of moderate trad, beautiful views, ultra classic routes... you *must* do the Zip, 10a and visit Penny Lane for some fun harder stuff); Murrin (eh, okay - some of it was really fun, but it's right on the highway so not as spectacular though there are turtles (real, live turtles) in the water which is cool). Chekamus is one of the areas folks go for sport climbing but I've personally been underwhelmed there (although I have visited a number of times and have had fun -- I just don't seem to have as *much* fun there as other places). I did my first trip up the Apron two weeks ago and it was phenomenal... super fun, beautiful views, nice and exposed... if you guys can get on the Chief, by all means, do it. I haven't done any really long routes there yet, but I can't wait to.
The camping at the Chief is really lovely... there are drive-in and walk-in sites, and it's a friendly, climber-dominated atmosphere. Part of my love of Squamish is rolling in during the middle of the night, sleeping out, and then waking up under the Chief in the morning.
Eat at the Howe Sound Brewing Co.... yammer jammers (sweet potato fries) are incredible, and I haven't ever been disappointed by a meal there. There is a great gear shop in town (Valhalla) and the grocery store right when you come into town is superb (although, remember that you'll have to buy beer elsewhere... I'd recommend looking up how much beer you can cross the border with and then buying in the US since beer in Squamish is EXPENSIVE). The deli in the grocery, last time I was up, had vegetable samosas which are my new favorite Squamish food (even cold, they make a great climbing day breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I may be up one of the weekends you're there... keep me posted? I'd line up my own partners so you wouldn't be stuck with a moderate-addict, but it would be fun to meet up at camp! Let me know what window you'll actually be in Squamish... I'll be in Tahoe at the end of your trip (if everything goes well... I'm hoping to take a solo trip of my own at the end of June) but the beginning/middle I'll be around.
Happy planning, and talk to you soon!
Had no idea you were such an accomplished traveler/backpacker! Let me know if you need a hot springs hook-up (directions/GPS) along your route... there are plenty! And, I personally know which are the best in ID-OR-WA. ;)
My good friend is currently a Ranger at Denali... I am hoping to spend some time there soon. Very excited!!
In Peace,
(disruptive on twitter)
Best.
Rachel