Adventure Climbing at Chimney Rocks

Chimney Rocks is a cluster of pinnacles on a long sub-ridge southeast of Silver Star Mountain. If the crag were located in Portland it would surely be a very popular climbing area. The outcrop though, is nicely situated on a wind swept ridge with breathtaking views of nearby mountains and the Columbia Gorge. The spire offers great quality rock climbing. Numerous crack climbing opportunities exist ranging in difficulty from 5.6 to 5.11 and involve mostly natural gear protected leads. You could not ask for a better alpine environment near Portland than this. Never overrun with crowds, crisp mountain air, plenty of sun, plenty of climbing, easy two-mile hiking access along a gated road, and superb scenery. Hike in and ascend some of the best, such as South Chimney, the South Pillar, the SW Crack, or one of the triple north face cracks.

There is one common source for directions and beta to this climbing area:
1. Northwest Oregon Rock

One very old guidebook details a minor bit about this site (primarily historical reference): A Climbing Guide to Oregon, by Nick Dodge (print date 1973)

Site Information, Local Retail Businesses & Public Entities:

Services: Gas station service is available in Camas, Washougal, or Vancouver.

Amenities: Camas, Washougal, or Vancouver have a variety of grocery stores, restaurants, grills, pubs, or fast-food eateries, including motels that can meet all your needs.

Camping and Lodging: Lodging is available in the larger cities (Vancouver and Camas. Free roadside car camping is possible along L-1200 road.

Administration: The site is next to the boundary of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and all of the rough road used to hike to the site is either owned or leased by various timber companies.

Seasonal Factors: Climbing at this site is possible for about 5 1/2-months of the year (mid-May through October), while a winter snowpack tends to keep the site out of touch the remainder of the year. Elevation 3,400'.

Road access conditions: Good paved roads until 1 mile beyond Bear Prairie, and then maintained gravel roads (Skamania Mines Rd.) to the gate at #1250. Hike from the gate to the site.

Additional Notes: When strong cold east winds prevail in early Spring or late Fall the site is less appealing.