Michigan · Rock climbing · Laird Township

Backside (aka Assland)

6 routes
5.9 – 5.11+
Top Rope · Trad
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Backside (aka Assland) open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ottawa National Forest. It doesn't name Backside (aka Assland), so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Ottawa National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Backside, also known as Assland, is a climbing area in Michigan's Ottawa National Forest, within the Ontonagon Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the area sits about 0.4 miles from Main Wall, another climbing spot. The climbing here is a mix of top rope and trad routes, with six routes in total. The grades run from 5.9 up to 5.11+, and the median is 5.11. Top rope options include Peach 'N' Cake at 5.9 and Brain Compartments at 5.11+. Trad routes include Grade 10 at 5.11- and Flyin Carpets at 5.11. Summer is the most comfortable time to climb. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 76°F with lows near 53°F, while January highs average about 22°F. Nearby, the Canoe-Sturgeon River hike is about 1.5 miles away, and the N C T Spur to Sturgeon Falls is about 2.8 miles away. Paddlers can head to the Silver River, about 4 miles off, and Sturgeon River Campground is about 7.9 miles away.

Routes (6)