Rock Climbing

The mountain valleys around Darrington have a remote feel with fantastic scenery and varied climbing.

The historic Darrington climbing area has been explored by rock climbers since 1969 when Fred Beckey and party climbed the Witch Doctor Wall, which lies on "back side" of Exfoliation Dome, one of the most impressive features in the area. The area has seen steady climbing activity for nearly fifty years but rarely do any of these destinations become crowded.

Exfoliaiton Dome

One of the areas most impressive features, Exfoliation Dome, is an alpine-setting climb with a shorter approach for advanced climbers.

It can be viewed from a viewpoint approximately 200 yards past the end of the maintained road at the Eightmile Creek trailhead.

Clear Creek Drainage

Green Giant Buttress (made more difficult to access by a lack of maintenance of the last two miles of road in Copper Creek for over 15 years)

Three O'Clock Rock (the easiest to reach as it is actually served by a maintained trail - Eightmile Creek Trail 654).

Clear Creek rock climbs range in difficulty from about 5.6 to 5.12, and one to twelve pitches.

Squire Creek

The largest climbing objective in the area, Squire Creek Wall, lies in Squire Creek. The climbs in Squire Creek are generally harder to access and there are no easy routes. Climbs in Squire Creek range in difficulty from 5.8 to 5.11 , and four to twenty-three pitches.

For more route information in the Darrington area check out http://www.mattsea.com/Darr/

To learn more about upcoming rock climbing activities and events go to the Washington Climbers Coalition website.

Bouldering

The climbing area traditionally called "Darrington" is a collection of granite domes in the Clear Creek and Squire Creek drainages south of the town of Darrington. Which feature multiple pitch routes on generally clean granite with many leading to a summit. Bolt protection is common but traditional gear is generally required.

Other climbing opportunities in the area include the "D-Ton Boulders", in the White Chuck River drainage about twelve miles southeast of town, and a crag and some boulders on the south slope of Spring Mountain, about eighteen miles southeast of town.

Information on D-Ton Boulders, Spring Mountain, and climbing in Clear Creek (Green Giant Buttress, Three O'Clock Rock, Exfoliation Dome, and Squire Creek Wall) is available on Mountain Project.

A PDF guide is downloadable at www.mattsea.com/Darr.

Prime time climbing season is August.

Darrington, WA- Gateway to the Outdoors

Nestled among the impressive peaks of the North Cascades along SR 530, Darrington, Wa, is a small town with picturesque views and world-class recreational opportunities.

Less than two hours from Seattle, it is the gateway to the outdoors, offering countless adventures along three wild rivers--the Stillaguamish, Sauk, and Suiattle--and the vast network of public lands, including three wilderness areas--Boulder River, Henry M. Jackson, and Glacier Peak--where some of the most spectacular views and experiences await.

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Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is more than a reminder to stay on designated trails, to pack out what we pack in, or to minimize human impact on our natural resources and surroundings. To us, it’s a commitment – some might say an obligation – to preserve and protect, repair and restore, and to leave Mother Nature in a better state than we found it. It’s a way of life for those of us who call Darrington home, and we ask and expect the same from those who visit.

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Thank You

Explore Darrington

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