Fossil Rock
                                                                                 Yelm, Washington

Directions:

Near Yelm. Please see guidebook for access issues and directions.

Notes:

Ever hear of Smith Rock, Oregon? Good, because this area is similar to it's Oregon brother Smith Rock, but with a touch of Washington Moss. The area is made of volcanic welded tuft rock, giving it the characteristic "knobs". The area is located on DNR and Weyerhauser land. Some of the climbing has been closed by Department of Natural Resources due to access/use issues. These closed areas are a hot topic with DNR - climbers are urged to avoid confrontation with DNR or Weyerhauser due to the tricky access issues. Most routes are bolted (well), steep, and mostly range from 5.7 - 5.9, with a few easier, and a handfull of 11's and 12's. A guide to the area was published in 1996 by J. Yoder and M. Ford available at climbing shops in Olympia and Tacoma, worthwhile. Touchy land use problems in the area, so tread lightly and be friendly. Pack your gun, everyone else does.

Classics:

Pump and Rest 9, Perfect Lovers 10a, Battle of the Bulge 11a, Poppa Oscar Tango 11b

References:

RNR.com Add/Update: K. Dwight 2/99; Guidebook(s): Yoder / Ford