OH8 is a minor but conveniently situated road side crag along Old Highway 8 on the northeast side of Rowland Lake located at the extreme west end of the Catherine Creek syncline. Though easy to drive right past the fractured cliff, upon closer inspection you will find an interesting little treasure of rock climbs scattered along this fairly lengthy flood basalt rock formation. The crag faces west making maximum use of the afternoon sunshine suitable for a fast workout in the early Spring and Fall seasons. The basalt is a slightly grainy textured surface to which rock shoes readily stick, but the routes are deceptive; what appears easy and lower angled is actually surprisingly steep and difficult.

For Directions and Beta: see the Gorge Rock chapter in the Northwest Oregon Rock guidebook.

Services: The nearest gas station is to the west in Bingen, WA, or eastward in The Dalles, Oregon.

Amenities: Drive west to the small community of Bingen/White Salmon to attain some of your goods. Or better, drive to The Dalles (they have it all), from grocery stores, restaurants, fast-food eateries, and a few evening bars.

Camping and Lodging: Columbia Hills State Park (Horsethief Lake) is a popular fee camping site. Spearfish lake area (just north of the dam) has unimproved camping viability. Lodging is available at The Dalles, Bingen/White Salmon, or in Hood River. You can find some minor roadside free camping options by travelling up one of the minor roads away from the Gorge.

Administrative Agency: This site is on land managed by the U.S Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 10600 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682.

Seasonal Factors: Available for rock climbing 12-months of the year, but it is better to hit the crag in the Fall-Winter-Spring seasons. This is a low elevation site, with a SW facing aspect, good for mid-winter afternoon climbing ops.

Road access conditions: State Route 14 is paved, and the secondary road is paved, too.

Additional Notes: Ticks are possible here, so take precautions.