Pete’s Pile is a hidden gem and one of only a handful of traditional climbing areas in the region. The crag is an excellent multi-season climbing area generally free of snow from April through October. Kept secret for a few decades, only recently has Pete’s seen much traffic from outside the local community. Even today the crag remains a quiet place to get your crack climbing skills up to par, and the scenic beauty is well worth the price of entry. Amazing views of the eastern and north slopes of Mt. Hood await you while climbing here. As the base of the crag sits a couple of hundred feet above the East Fork of the Hood River, once you climb to tree top level, the sense of exposure is spectacular. Most of the current routes are moderate (5.10 and under), and the potential exists for dozens of more climbs of various grades.
There are ultimately two common sources for directions and beta to Pete's Pile climbing area:
1. Northwest Oregon Rock
2. Rock Climbing Oregon, by Adam Bolf and Ben Ruef
Acquire the above guidebooks.
Services: The nearest gas station is located in Parkdale, Oregon, or drive north on Hwy 35 to the city of Hood River.
Amenities: The city of Hood River offers a diverse selection of quality entertainment, ranging from grills, pubs, high-end restaurants, to basic eateries (offering common ethnic variables from Chinese to Mexican). A broad selection of grocery stores (the quality Rosauers grocery store is on south 12th street) Safeway and Walmart stores. Plus a choice of motels.
Camping: The region has plenty of free roadside camping within 1-5 miles of the site. Low tech camping (pit toilet & firepit) at Sherwood CG, or Polallie CG are available nearby along Hwy 35.
Administrative Agency: The surrounding forest land is managed by the Hood River Ranger District, 6780 Hwy 35, Parkdale, OR 97041, 503-352-6002. There are no parking restrictions or fees at this site.
Seasonal Factors: The site is at 3,200' elevation, and is accessible after the snowpack melts back, usually open from April through October.
Climbing Precautions: Many of the routes are long 160'-200' leads, or short multi-pitch routes.
Road access conditions: Hwy 35 is the primary paved road which provides easy access to the parking site.
Additional Notes: One brief section of the wall (see signage) is set aside as non-climbable to enhance the vitality of the Suksdorf Rock-brake plant species.
