Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of the NW Granite readers out there! This hasn't been the most prolific year this blog has seen, but it's not because I haven't been enjoying myself outside. I hope the same is true of everyone else!

Best wishes for a joyful 2012 filled with dry weather, plenty of climbing adventures, and good company!!

Portland Video Showing

I'm headed down to the Portland Boulder Rally this weekend to show a 25-ish minute video that I've been working on all fall. The video highlights climbs from Gold Bar this summer and talks a bit about the area's access situation. My main hope is to draw some attention to the Washington Climbers Coalition and get people excited about becoming involved.

Editing Madness

The video still doesn't have all the finishing touches I'd like it to, so I've been busily working on it for the past couple of weeks. I'm not too keen on making a trailer, but for those who are interested, here is a brief preview of what to expect. I hope to see lots of familiar faces down there this weekend!

Leavenworth Photos

Here are some photos from Leavenworth this fall... hopefully the snow will hold off for a few more weeks!

Cortney & Hannah on the FridgeJoel on a Newish Climb Near the Entrance to ForestlandMe Attempting Resurrection LowJoel on a Longstanding Project at Fuzz WallMaybe Next Time...Not-So-Giant Man on Giant ManCortney & Me on the Jess Campbell Memorial Boulder Problem BoulderCole Allen
Carly

Snoqualmie Pass Boulders

I was recently inspired by another Washington climbing blog to check out some alpine boulders in the Alpental Valley at Snoqualmie Pass. I found a dozen or more big boulders of semi-solid basaltic rock in a sweeping talus field below a cirque of cliffs. People have undoubtedly monkeyed around on these boulders before, but I didn't see any evidence of serious bouldering. Most of the rock is decent but not inspiring, but there is one tall face that could hold a handful of really, really good lines.

I'm excited to check this spot out with pads this fall, or if the rain persists, next summer... the hike in is about three miles, and pretty gently uphill until the last half-mile or so. Here are some photos.

The Cirque

The Face on the Right is Roughly 18-25 Feet Tall

Note the Green Backpack in the Center of the Photo for Scale

Crazy Rock

Boulders

Mountain Views

Bumblebee

Last of Summer...

More Summer Photos