Three Spokane, Washington Rock Climbing Areas
Consider a Spring Climbing Trip to Rock Climb in Eastern Washington
Feb 11, 2009
Looking for the perfect place for a spring climbing trip, but tired of the crowds? Explore eastern Washington’s climbing areas in and around Spokane, including Dishman, Deep Creek, and China Bend. Discover that rock climbing in Washington has something to please everyone’s taste, from delicate granite smearing to thuggy, overhanging rock climbs.
Dishman: Climbing in Spokane
Dishman is Spokane’s quintessential city crag. A water tower leaks prolifically down the crag’s right side, making some rock climbs inaccessible, and the crag’s base has some sprawling graffiti. Despite these drawbacks, Dishman still has charm, offering a relatively peaceful, wooded rock climbing area secluded from the nearby bustle of city life.
The climbing is on smeary, mostly vertical granite, with some slightly overhanging rock as well. The grades range from 5.10 to 5.13, with many of the 30 rock climbs being bolted. Dishman’s spring climbing season is best in April and May, though March can potentially have some decent days. While trees shade much of the crag all day, parts of the wall get sun in the afternoon.
Deep Creek: Spokane Climbing’s Finest City Area
Located in Riverside State Park, Deep Creek rock climbing lies on the outskirts of Spokane. Depending on the wall chosen for rock climbing, the surroundings vary. The Pit, home to the area’s hardest rock climbs, involves a short approach up some steep scree, almost in view of the parking area. The Main Wall, situated in a wooded sandy creek bed, offers a bit more of a nature experience.
At Deep Creek, the climber will find some 60 routes on fractured basalt ranging from 5.8 to 5.14. The area’s star crags — the Main Wall and the Pit — both feature continuously overhanging routes with big moves on pinches, slopers, and crimps, often with very specific cruxes. Like Dishman, Deep Creek offers prime temps in April and May for spring climbing. Cold climbing aficionados might find March’s temps more prime for sending, especially in the Pit.
China Bend: Rock Climbing in Washington That Shouldn't Be Missed
A couple of hours north of Spokane near Kettle Falls sits the serene and isolated limestone climbing area of China Bend. Here, a crag of pristine white rock perches on a hillside overlooking the scenic Columbia River. A short and steep approach brings the climber to the base of the crag, where some of Washington’s finest rock climbs await.
China Bend’s prime spring season is March, making it a great place to start a spring Washington climbing trip. China Bend’s 50+ overhanging and vertical routes are mostly 5.11 and 5.12, along with a handful of easier and harder routes. Tufas, edges, slopers, and even some pockets challenge climbers on both long endurance routes and short, bouldery power-fests.
If it’s too hot at China Bend, check out the shadier climbing at Marcus, an impressive cave situated just across the river.
More Info on Washington Rock Climbing near Spokane
Inland Northwest Rock Climbs ($19.99), by Marty Bland (Marty Bland, 2001), is a complete guide to 11 Spokane-area rock climbing destinations, including the three highlighted above. This comprehensive guidebook also provides information about how to get to the crags, where to camp, rest day activities, and area histories, peppered throughout with Bland’s unique and often humorous commentary.
According to The Weather Channel, Spokane’s average high temperature in March is 49, in April is 58, and in May is 66, making it a perfect spring climbing trip destination. China Bend, Deep Creek, and Dishman together provide rock climbers with the opportunity to rock climb on different types of rock in different settings with a good range of grade levels and sun/shade options.
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