Royal Columns, 5.3-5.7
- Gear Used:
- 60 meter rope
- gear to 3 inches
- slings
Tieton River is located east of White Pass. It can be a pretty long drive from Seattle (3+ hours) but is well worth it. I would love to live closer so I could climb those awesome cracks more often. From Seattle you just drive I-90 East over Snoqualmie Pass. Right after Ellensburg you take the I-82 exit to Yakima. Drive I-82 for about 15 min. and take the Naches exit (HWY 12). It's really no further than Frenchman Coulee but with better rock.
The Royal Columns is a great place for the novice crack climber to hone their skills placing trad gear. It's about a 10 minute hike accross the bridge and up to the base of the columns. Watch out for the rattle snakes of the area. I have had many encounters with these slithery locals.
Slacker starts a couple columns left of Western Front and has a tree at the base. Great craack climbing with a roof near the top. Pull the roof on the left and do a couple face moves untill you can get back into the crack. Fun and easy. Two bolts and chains at the top. Gear to 3 inches.

Left of Slacker is another great easy climb. Pretty basic going straight up a great crack. Two bolts at the top for an anchor. Gear to 2 inches.

This is one of the best 5.3's I have climbed. Great climbing and great pro to the top of the columns. Gear to 2 inches.

We set up a top rope in this route since we were already on top of it after climbing Western Front. I definatly want to lead it next time as if was a pretty fun route. The upper part of the route is kind of loose and a big chunk of it feels like it is going to fall out. Tread lightely on this route.

Level Head is a fun double crack system that requires some wide stemming. 2 bolts and chains on top of the pillar. Gear to 2 inches.

