Newhalem???

[Pete L.]

I heard there was some pretty good sport climbing down in Washington State by a town called Newhalem, not too far from Bellingham.
Can anyone confirm the quality, access, topo availability, etc.???

[ktaylor]

Headin' up there today! Definately worth a visit.
Heres a funky "interactive" site which will get you there.
http://www.misha.org/Climbing/Newhalem/Map1.html

[Pete L.]

Thanks for the link.
Is that limestone?
Do you know the exposure? Morning or afternoon sun?
The site (unless I missed something) doesn't seem to give directions to the crag either.
Am I asking too many questions?

[ktaylor]

To get to the crag just drive up hwy 20 until Newhalem (about 1 hr 45 min from B'ham.) Go all the way through Newhalem and park in a gravel lot on the right. (in front of a green bridge that heads over to the dam. This is immediately before the road steapens and gets narrow) Walk up (east) the road for three or four minutes and there will be a trail on your left heading up to the crag.
It's pretty shady all day. I don't know exactly when it loses sun but it's not really an issue. I'm not sure what kind of rock, maybe gneiss. Most routes are vert. to slightly overhanging on clean, solid, well featured rock. Oh, and don't be fooled by the high bolt counts, the routes aren't nearly as long as the rack would imply ;0 A few are somewhat eccesively bolted. (but they are good length 50-100ft. and some two pitch stuff)
Great cliff, I think it's one of the best sport crags in Washington. I took some pictures today, so I'll post some up when I get them back.

[Pete L.]

Thanks again.
Sounds like it's worth a trip down there.

[ktaylor]

Luke D. on a fun 11a at Newhalem.