Out in the great wide open in the ponderosa pine forests of the Blue Mountain range is a stellar rock bluff painted in brilliant hues of reddish-orange, nestled in an idyllic back country setting. The Spring Mountain crag is a unique gem well suited for any traveling climber especially if you are en route to other quality sites in the region such as Burnt River or Hells Canyon. Characteristically similar to Ozone Wall and offering a quality of andesite seldom matched, the crag sees a steady core of local climbers who frequent this site each summer to experience the mystic and quality.
Spring Mtn crag is located in the northern Blue Mountains between Pendleton and LaGrande and is certainly one of the best climbing crags in the heart of northeast Oregon. The crag offers superb quality rock climbing opportunities on a ¼ mile long 100’ high andesite cliff. Convenient access with open skies camping, and situated reasonably close to several major regional cities, the crag has long been a popular cragging destination for both locals and road-bound climbers.
Rock climbing is usually possible from mid-April to late October depending on snow pack melt. The cliff is located at an elevation of 4600’ so the temperature at least 15°F cooler than Pendleton, although it doesn’t feel that way when climbing in direct sunlight. There are plenty of open skies free camping sites in the grassland meadows along the Whitman Route Overlook road.
There are ultimately two common book sources for directions and beta to the Spring Mountain climbing site:
1. Northwest Oregon Rock
2. Rock Climbing Oregon, by Adam Bolf and Ben Ruef
For Directions and Beta acquire the above guidebooks.
Services: The nearest gas stations are located in either LaGrande or Pendleton.
Amenities: LaGrande or Pendleton are the two large towns that provide a small array of grocery stores, restaurants, fast-food eateries, and evening pubs.
Camping or Lodging: Overnight camping facilities exist at Emigrant Springs CG near Meacham, or at Hilgard CG. Or, better still, enjoy the vast open free camping spaces in the vicinity of Spring Mountain. A bathroom and a signed spring (must be treated) exist at the Whitman Overlook parking area (one mile west of Spring Mtn).
Administrative Agency: The surrounding land is managed by U.S. Forest Service, Umatilla National Forest.
Seasonal Factors: The climbing site (south-east orientation) is located at the 4,500' elevation and is open from Spring through Fall season, though summer days tend to get hot. A unique, high-quality climbing site tucked in a lightly forest ponderosa pine tree environment.
Climbing Precautions: Quality rock climbing, though yellowjackets can be virtually intolerable in late summer.
Road access conditions: Direct fast traveling on Interstate 84 freeway to exit #243, then several miles of well-maintained gravel roads to the climbing site.
Additional Notes: This is a great multi-day destination crag (120+ routes) with many moderate rated climbs.
photo credit (Dave on lead): TA.
