The popular Enola Hill Crag (aka The Swinery) is a well-established crag that holds a sizable selection of steep rock climbs on a bluff that faces directly west overlooking the tiny community of Rhododendron. This quality rock climbing site offers a variety of climbing routes from pure face routes to traditional crack climbs using natural/mixed pro, typically 50’ to 100’ in length. The crag is well-suited for climbers who have solid 5.10 to 5.11 leading capabilities. The crag is generally accessible during summer weather (May to late October) with a frequent light breeze that rolls up through the trees from the valley below the crag keeping the temperatures comfortable all summer.

Make a visit to the crag and climb some of the favorites such as: Burning Zone, Too Cool, Twenty Year Hangover, Welcome to the Swine, etc.

There is one book source that provides directions and beta to this climbing site:
1. Northwest Oregon Rock

Services: The nearest gas station is in Welches, Oregon.

Amenities: Welches has a grocery store, several outdoor sports shops (skiing oriented), golf course, and a resort. Rhododendron has a grocery store, and a fast-food eatery (DQ). If you drive to Sandy, Oregon you can find several higher-end exotic restaurants.

Camping or Lodging: McNeil Campground is a popular fee camping site located on NF1825 (toilet, firepit). Some free car camping spots exist on side roads like NF18, and NF1825 a few miles south of French's Dome. Various lodging facilities exist in Welches (resort), in Sandy, and in Government Camp. Bed & Breakfast arrangements do exist in various locales along the U.S. 26 highway corridor (check the internet).

Administrative Agency: There are no fees or restrictions at this site. This forest division is managed by Zigzag Ranger District, 70220 E. Hwy 26, Zigzag, OR 97049.

Seasonal Factors: The site is at the 3,000' elevation, and is accessible from May through October. The site faces west (overlooking the community of Rhododendron) with a minor forested canopy.

Climbing Precautions: You park at the top of the crag and descend down to it. The trail descending down to the crag is steep, so be cautious and do not toss rocks over the edge (climber's below).

Road access conditions: Though the initial part of NF27 road is paved, its the last 1.25 miles that are a bit nasty. A low riding vehicle is not man's best friend when venturing to this crag. A semi-popular hiking trailhead exists at the end of the gravel road, so its presumed that it might be better maintained.

Additional Notes: The Swinery is one of the great little additions that brings quality to NW Oregon cragging.

Enola Photo Tour

Chris leading Jugalicious Twenty Year Hangover Dave leading Burning Zone Tymun leading Psycho Billy Cadillac Dave leading Fifty-seven Grits & Gravy Dave leading Too Cool Too Cool