Why America’s “Most Gatekept” Climbing Area is Becoming More Popular
Index, Washington, has all sorts of tight-lipped lore, some of it deserved. But modern route developers are changing its tone.
Washington
Washington
This 5.9 Is Worth the 20-Mile Approach
One climber’s quest for the promised land.
What We Can Learn from the Weirdest Climbing Rescue of 2024
I report on a lot of SAR calls and this Mazama debacle is one of the weirdest rescue stories I’ve ever heard
Adrian Vanoni Frees Alpine 5.14 Crack on Prusik Peak, WA
‘Prayer for a Friend’ joins a growing list of impressive multi-pitch free climbs in Washington.
Fred Beckey’s All-Time Favorite Rock Climbs
How many have you climbed?
America’s 100 Best Sport Climbing Routes
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Climbing the States’ Tallest Bolted Moderates in Washington
Deep in the Cascades, you can top out huge walls without placing gear or pulling 5.10 moves on routes like Flyboys, which climbs 1,800 fully bolted feet at an achievable 5.9. (From 2020.)
The Classic 25: America’s Best Boulder Problems
Let the debate begin! Here are the best 25 boulder problems in America... or 25 of the best... across a wide swath of regions and grades. (From 2021)
Our Favorite High-Elevation Crags to Beat Summer’s Heat
Get this high elevation rock while you can!
Sick of the heat? Check Out These 5 Alpine Bouldering Destinations
Is America’s best bouldering is above 9,000 feet? Some of us think so. Here’s what you need to know to hit the country’s finest alpine areas.
Why I Regret Ever Free Soloing
In the past I’d had the same concerns, but this time it all hit me again. That could have been me.
Lost at Midnight Rock and Gaia GPS
I call these Boring Epics. Not that much happens, but they take forever, with not even a funny or good story afterwards. Nothing learned except, Don’t be an idiot.
Six Big Snow and Ice Couloirs for Beginners
It doesn’t take much to learn the basics (ice axe and crampon use, self-arresting techniques, snow hazard analysis) and unlock big new terrain for yourself.
The Dark Side of Liberty
The price of freedom on the East Face of Washington’s Liberty Bell
Photo Gallery: Onsight—3 Climbing Photo Highlights (Issue 374)
Check out The Editors's author page.
Access Fund: Save Exit 38 Crags at Mount Washington
Check out Access Fund's author page.
Access Fund Purchases Climbing Areas Outside Leavenworth, Washington
Check out Access Fund's author page.
Topo: Torment-Forbidden Traverse
Check out Corey Buhay's author page.
Photo Gallery: Onsight—2 Climbing Photo Hightlight (Issue 373)
Check out The Editors's author page.
Gear Institution Omega Pacific Is Closing
Check out Amelia Arvesen's author page.
Brittany Version 2.0
Meet Brittany Goris, the queen of self-reinvention
Classic Routes: Chumstick Snag
Leavenworth’s mysterious, under-the-radar sandstone spire.
Keenan Takahashi: The Leavenworth Compendium
Check out The Editors's author page.
Flyboys: Washington's 18-Pitch 5.9 Sport Route
A new, monster 5.9 sport route in the North Cascades, Flyboys, soars high.
The Givers: Gabe Cisneros—The Environmentalist
6 Selfless Climbers Working Hard to Keep Our Crags Safe, Healthy, and Open
The 50 Classic Climbs of North America
All 50 classics, for your climbing pleasure
Classic Routes: Washington's Slow Children
The route that revolutionized Western Washington climbing
Flash: 4 Photos of Badass Women
Check out The Editors's author page.
Video: Audrey Sniezek Works Hard and Climbs Harder
Check out The Editors's author page.
Flowchart: Which Climber Town Do You Belong In?
Check out Kevin Corrigan's author page.
7 Easy Alpine Routes For Your Summer Tick List
Check out Brendan Leonard's author page.
The Best Bouldering In Leavenworth, WA
With more than 3,000 routes within an hour or two, Leavenworth has the highest density of rock climbing in the entire state of Washington.
Perfect Substitutes: Ditch the crowds with one of these under-the-radar climbs
Check out Julie Ellison's author page.
Psicobloc Americano: 6 Deep Water Soloing Areas on This Side of the Pond
Check out The Editors's author page.
Maximize Your Climbing Road Trip With the Best Destinations, Insider Tips, and Crag Beta
The best road trip destinations by region, from the Northwest to the Southeast
The Good Book: Revisiting The Fifty Classic Climbs
Check out Leia Larsen's author page.
First Strike
Check out Dougald MacDonald's author page.
Bouldering to Go
Check out Sean Bacon's author page.
Edgeworks Climbing
Check out The Editors's author page.
Forty Below, LTD
Check out The Editors's author page.
Whittaker Mountaineering
Check out The Editors's author page.
Marmot Mountain Works
Check out The Editors's author page.
Feathered Friends
Check out The Editors's author page.
Mountain Madness
Check out The Editors's author page.
Edgeworks Climbing
Check out The Editors's author page.
Stone Gardens
Check out The Editors's author page.
Davis-Holland to Lovin' Arms (5.10c), Index, Washington
Check out Blake Herrington's author page.
Stanley-Burgner (III 5.9+, six pitches)
Check out Garrett Grove's author page.