Upper School Climbs Rooster Rock

A bold party of Catlin Gabel Upper Schoolers set out on April 11th to ascend one of Oregons landmark pinnacles: Rooster Rock in the Columbia Gorge. After discussing the history and naming of the prominent landmark, the party of six made the hazardous approach to its objective.

Early painting of Rooster Rock. The route takes the dihedral in the center, moving up and right.

Approach Hike through the stinging nettles

Oooh Ben, do you think shorts are best idea?

The climb of the spire itself involved two pitches of moderate rock climbing, up to 5.3. The rock is good in quality, since all the bad rock had been knocked off by earlier parties.

The team of six roped up at the base of the pillar. Olivia Miller led the first pitch to the two bolt anchor. The other five followed. It was a cramped belay ledge for six, but Olivia was soon on her way again, leading the second pitch.

At the first belay station

The mossy beginning to the first pitch

On the first pitch

Belaying at the small belay ledge half way up the rock

High above the trees: Sarah Wolf

The views of the Columbia River are tremendous

What, theres more to go?

The second pitch of Rooster Rock features fine climbing on easily protected rock. The exposure is a bit frightening, but the Catlin team made short work of it.

Topping out! Interstate 84 in the distance

On top of Rooster Rock, April 11, 2005