The area referred to by its proper name, Frenchman Coulee is better known as Vantage among local climbing community ( due to its proximity to the town of the same name ).
This was my first time climbing and visiting the area, and I was absolutely blown away by its beauty and unusual ( for me ) hot weather !
Since it's not a climbing blog, I won't bore you with the description of climbing routes and levels of difficulty. I'll just say that even if you are a beginner climber, you'll find a route in your 5.6- 5.10 range. If it's your first time, there will be a lot of climbers who will be more than happy to show you where to start, and many guidebooks ( like Rock Climbing Washington
) have detailed information about the area, driving directions, descriptions, ratings, route photos, topos, and recommended gear.There are two free "unofficial " camping sites for climbers right be the climbing spots. BE PREPARED , there are no toilets, no running water, no picnic tables and campfires are "discouraged " ( though, there are established fire rings. So, I guess, bring your own wood ). You can also "camp " by the boat launch, at road's end ( stunning views of the Columbia River ! Wake up in the morning and take a dip ! ).
Even if you are not a climber, a road trip to this part of our state is still worthwhile.
I've traveled to Central/Eastern Washington a lot before, but I don't think I'd seen that much beauty neither in Wenatchee nor in Chelan.
Frenchman Coulee made a huge impression on me ! I haven't been to Arizona ( yet ), but standing at the edge of what was once a towering waterfall, felt like I'd just found my miniature version of the Grand Canyon.
Among other local attractions are Ginkgo Petrified Forest, and " Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies ".
If you like paddleboarding, boating, jet-skiing, water skiing or wakeboarding, the area has many boat launches ( one is right at the end of Vantage road, 5 minutes from the climbing area ).
This is definitely not the last time I visited this area. Next time, I am thinking about going up north to the Grand Coulee Dam area and Banks Lake.
2 comments:
There is also some world class kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge.
The Columbia River Gorge you are talking about is way south ( closer to Portland ).
It's more famous for its wold class windsurfing and kiteboarding.
I think WW kayaking and rafting take place somewhere along the banks of the White Salmon River ( haven't rafted there yet, but heard it's a lot of fun ).
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