Royal Columns offers great crag climbing along the Tieton River near Yakima,
Washington and consists of columnar andesite of excellent quality with many, many
good cracks, as well as bolted face routes. It's a great place for the aspiring
traditional leader since it has lots of moderate crack routes of good quality. The
Cascadians, an outdoor recreation and conservation club located in Yakima, uses
Royal Columns for a field trip for their basic climbing course. Nearby climbing
crag areas include the cliffs of The Bend and Moon Rocks.
Seasonal Closures
There are seasonal closures in the spring to protect nesting raptors. According to
John McGowan, manager of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area (where both The Bend and Royal
Columns cliffs are located), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
will keep the entire area along the river closed from Feb. 1 thru Apr. 15, or until
such time in the spring that the active nest-sites selected by the eagles and falcons
can be determined. They will then move the closure signs appropriately and open up
the remainder of the area to climbing activity.
River Crossing
The old log bridge that used to cross the Tieton River and provided access to
Royal Columns has been removed. A Good Samaritan strung a 1/2" steel cable spanning the
river for a Tyrolean traverse stream crossing. The cable is about 50 yards upstream
from where the old bridge site. You will want to wear leather gloves since
the cable can be hard to grasp with bare hands. A load bearing pulley is available
to clip into with your harness and pack.
When the river is low you may decide to ford the stream. The best place to cross
the river is about 100-300 yards upstream of the cable where the river widens and
flattens out. At places it is barely shin deep at that crossing. Using the cable is
slow, somewhat strenuous, but dry, whereas fording the stream is quick and easy, but
wet. When the release from Rimrock Dam is greater it is not recommended to attempt
to ford the higher river. The river is typically very high in September and would
make a foot crossing dangerous. There is a new swinging footbridge near the other
climbing crag a few miles upstream.
Arson
In August, more than 20 range fires popped up west of Yakima. They were in areas
along U.S. Highway 12 and State Route 410, including the 2,200-acre Oak Creek II
fire on August 21st. The fires burned an area from close to the Royal Columns
climbing area upstream to the swinging bridge. Trees along the river and brush at
the bottom of the crags were not burned. The Tyrolean traverse, the trees at the
columns, and the swinging bridge are good. Fire investigators suspect arson and
ask anyone with information to call (800) 55-ARSON. A reward is offered.
Directions
From Seattle take Interstate 90 Eastbound to Ellensburg. Then take Highway 97
South to Yakima. Immediately before entering Yakima cross the Naches River and take
Highway 12 westbound. Drive about 17 miles past the town of Naches to the Highway
12 turnoff just past mile post 186. At the "Y'" intersection of Highway 410 and
Highway 12 turn left onto Hwy 12 towards White Pass. Continue on Highway 12 for
about 3 miles to the Oak Creek Wildlife area. It will be on the right with a parking
area (BLM parking permits are required to park in the lot). Across the road is the
site of a former footbridge across the Tieton River. Royal Columns are the cliffs
across the river. Other areas, such as The Bend and Moon Rocks are a few miles
farther up the canyon highway and are also located across the river. Cell phones
probably won't work in the canyon.
Royal Columns Area Guidebooks
- Washington Rock Climbs
by Jeff Smoot (1999)
- Rock Climbing Washington
by Jeff Smoot (1999)
- Tieton River Rock: A Climber's Guide
by Matt Christensen, Holli Bell Christensen (1989)
- The Royal Columns, A Rock Climber's Guide
by Christensen
