Interstate Park Crags, 5.7-5.8

    Gear Used:
  • 60 meter rope
  • quickdraws
February 28, 2008

The Approach

After taking Exit 38 off of I-90 you continue past Deception Crags and back under the highway to the large parking lot. Hike up the road and jump the road barrier right after the bridge. Continue hiking up the trail past the Gritstone area. After about 10 minutes take a right into the forest and follow the trail down to a large downed tree. At the tree you can continue to hike down which takes you to the Gun Show area or continue up for the Interstate Park area.

The Climbs

Interstate Block is broken up into 3 separate areas. Headlight Point which has a bunch of fun moderate routes. Eastern Block which is basically a continuation of Headlight Point only separated by the cave area and finally Squishy Bell which is a couple minutes uphill from Kiss of the Crowbar.

Attack of the butter knifes 5.8*

Start at a slab and follow bolts to a pretty large ledge system. After the ledge climb a steep wall to a set of anchors. The slab was really wet today and was a bit sketchy to lead for me. I was worried about my feet slipping and getting my face cheese grated on the wet slab. I found that even when wet this rock tends to have great friction! The highlight of this route was the steep headwall. All though short and I think off route, it provided a fun challenge. I think the original route traverses right and connects with Kiss of the Crowbar at the large ledge.

Attack of the Butter Knives
Dylan climbing the slabby part of Attack of the Butter Knives.
Attack of the Butter Knives
Dylan on the steep and juggy headwall.

Kiss of the Crowbar 5.7***

This route has the same start but climbs straight up the steep wall through blocks and ledges. This was a great route with fun and exposed moves but I felt like every block that I would put my weight on would come loose and send me and 100lb rocks down on Dylan. I'm sure the route is pretty safe but it just gave me an uneasy feeling.

Kiss of the Crowbar
Dylan climbing Kiss of the Crowbar.

We didn't have much time and had to head back into the city for work so we huffed it back to the car and headed home. I'm looking forward to coming back and doing some more of these routes.

-Useful guide books-

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