Western Washington and British Columbia are home to some of the better summer climbing destinations in the United States. The excellent rock quality and relatively cool summer conditions make for excellent climbing over an unusually long season that ranges from April well into October. AAI leads rock climbing programs in several locations across Western Washington and also the granite mecca of Squamish, British Columbia.

A climber starts the 2nd pitch of Midway (5.5) in Leavenworth, WA. Mike Powers

AAI's Rock Climbing Destinations in the Pacific Northwest

• Index, WA
• Leavenworth, WA
• Squamish, BC
• Mount Erie, WA

Which of these locations will depend on a couple of things including the time that you have available to climb, your desired curriculum, and the type of climbing (single pitch, multi-pitch, aid, sport, etc.) that you would like to undertake and learn more about. Descriptions of the different areas and their unique offerings may be found below.

If you are new to rock climbing, in need of a refresher, or want to increase your confidence at the crag by having an expert evaluate your skills, then you are a great candidate for group instruction. Please refer to the list below to find a trip that fits your schedule and ability level. Call the office for further advice on which course is right for you.

• Mt. Erie (1 day)
• Basic Rock Camp (4 days)
• Learn to Lead (4 days)
• Aid Climbing and Big Wall Technique (4 days)
• AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course (3 days) and Exam (2 days)

It is easy to arrange a trip for yourself or a group of friends. Such a trip can be a series of climbs, a skills course concluding with an ascent, or a trip that combines skills development or review with exciting series of ascents. And if you are coming on your own but would like to climb with others, you can request that we match you with other climbers of similar background and interest. Fees are based on the ratio of climbers to guide. Please call or e-mail us to set up a climb or design an itinerary.

Leavenworth and Index are the premier rock climbing areas of Washington state. While both crags offer excellent, fine-grained granite, there is a significant difference between the two. Because they lie on opposite sides of the Cascades, the two areas present markedly different climates and ecological environments. In spring, when conditions on the west side of the Cascades can be unfavorably drizzly, climbers often head east to Leavenworth on the warmer and dryer side of the mountains. In mid-summer, when the temperatures on the east side of the Cascades climb past 90 degrees and the rocks of Leavenworth become uncomfortably hot, climbers often take refuge in the cooler shade of Index.

Leavenworth is a diverse area. At least eight different crags lie within a ten mile radius of the picturesque "Bavarian" town after which the area is named. With the exception of Castle and Midnight Rocks which tower above the Tumwater Canyon of the Wenatchee River, most of the other cliffs are found up the Icicle Canyon southwest of town. There is something for everyone, from single pitch climbs of all difficulties found alongside the road, to classic multi-pitch routes such as Outer Space (5.8+) on the 800-foot-high Snow Creek Wall. Castle Rock itself has over sixty routes, ranging in difficulty from 5.3 to 5.12. Varied climbing, excellent rock, short approaches, and great weather all combine to make Leavenworth a fine choice for the beginner and expert alike.

Index, WA. Brendan Cusick

Rising on the west side of the Cascades (only an hour's drive from Seattle) are the Index Town Walls. These granite cliffs, some rising to a height of 500 feet, emerge from the green forest in the Skykomish River Valley. There are few crags in the United States which sport as many clean, steep cracks in such a concentrated area as the Index Lower Town Walls. With most of the routes graded 5.8 or harder, the advanced climber can choose from an extensive array of climbs.

The steep, thin cracks of Index have long been considered one of the best places in the country to learn the intricacies of aid climbing. Difficult free climbing and challenging aid problems are the hallmark of this popular rock climbing area.

The striking white granite of Squamish is most frequently compared to the high quality rock found in Yosemite. Unlike its southern counterpart, Squamish lies far from crowds and R.V. lines.

Located 40 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia, (90 miles north of Bellingham, Washington) on scenic, fjord-like Howe Sound, the Squamish area provides great opportunity for mountain biking, board sailing, and rock climbing. Lush Douglas fir forests, a cool maritime climate, and a small-town Canadian atmosphere combine to make this one of the most pleasant rock climbing areas in North America.

Climbing granite in Squamish, B.C. Dylan Taylor

Squamish is unique in its diversity of climbs. The many different crags surrounding the town of Squamish offer an unparalleled selection of routes varying in length, difficulty, and style of climbing. At one extreme are the popular one-pitch climbs of the Smoke Bluffs (over 200 routes, 5.4 to 5.12); at the other end of the spectrum stands the Chief, a 2000-foot wall of near- vertical granite sporting long and serious Grade V routes.

Between these are several areas which offer superb multi-pitch climbs from three to eight pitches in length. The best area of this last group is the Apron, a giant inclined slab and the site of nearly fifty separate routes. Classics here include the seven-pitch Diedre (5.8), Snake (5.9), and the incomparable Dream Symphony (5.11b). The breadth of climbing offered by Squamish makes it an exceptional place to advance your climbing ability. The perfect climb is always available to help develop specific skill areas.

Mount Erie is a great place for a beginning rock climber, or for someone looking to perfect their skills. Located on the top of a large bluff overlooking the San Juan Island and Pacific ocean, the views are stunning. The access at Mount Erie and it's central location in Western Washington make it an ideal spot for climbers that only have a day or even a half day to get out and climb. Please follow this link for information on our group climbing courses at Mount Erie.