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Washington · Rock Climbing
Cashmere sits in the Wenatchee Valley in north-central Washington, and the rock climbing here is anchored by Peshastin Pinnacles State Park — one of the most accessible sandstone crags in the Pacific Northwest.
7 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 7 spots
Cashmere sits in the Wenatchee Valley in north-central Washington, and the rock climbing here is anchored by Peshastin Pinnacles State Park — one of the most accessible sandstone crags in the Pacific Northwest. The pinnacles are compact, sun-baked, and dry out faster than most Washington climbing areas, which makes this a legitimate early-season and late-season destination when granite crags elsewhere are still wet or snowed in. The 52 routes in and around Cashmere range from slab work on Upper Martian Slab to crack climbing on Lightning Crack and C Crack, with towers like Dinosaur Tower and Grand Central Tower giving the area a distinctive skyline. Named routes like Galileo, Dr. Leakey, and Cro-Magnon/Caveman reflect the area's long climbing history, while routes like Slender Thread and Tippy Toes give you a sense of the technical variety on offer. Orchard Rock adds another option outside the main park boundary. Whether you're working a single-pitch crack, pulling through a slab sequence, or projecting something like Cajun Queen or Windward Direct, the Cashmere area rewards climbers who do a little homework before showing up.
Spring and fall are the sweet spots — typically March through May and September through November. The sandstone at Peshastin Pinnacles dries quickly after rain and the east-side location means far less precipitation than the west Cascades. Summer works but midday temperatures in the canyon can get hot, so early morning starts are worth the effort. Winter climbing is possible on clear days, though some routes stay shaded and cold.
Peshastin Pinnacles is a Washington State Park, so a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access. You can purchase one online through the Washington State Parks website or at many outdoor retailers. There is no separate climbing permit as of the time of writing, but check current park regulations before your visit since access rules at state parks can change.
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
~0 min drive
Washington basalt pinnacles with crack and face climbing on columnar formations.
Sperm Whale
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Yet Another Roadside Attraction
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Upper Martian Slab
~0 min drive
Technical slab climbing in Washington with featured stone and scenic views.
Nutty Buddy
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
The Omen
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Orchard Rock
~0 min drive
Washington climbing area with varied routes for developing climbers.
Tortoise
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
The Premonition
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Austrian Slab
~0 min drive
Technical slab climbing in Washington with smooth, angled rock.
Porpoise
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Incestual Gingerbread House Cats
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Also worth it near here
A standard rack covering small to mid-size cams and a set of nuts covers most crack routes like Lightning Crack and C Crack. Slab routes on Upper Martian Slab are typically bolt-protected, so a dozen quickdraws and a 60-meter rope handle the majority of single-pitch climbing. Bring a helmet — sandstone can be friable in spots. Trad and sport climbers both have plenty to work with across the 52 listings in the area.
There are approachable routes here, but Peshastin Pinnacles is not primarily a beginner crag. Routes like Tortoise and Butter Brickle are on the gentler end, and the slab terrain on Upper Martian Slab can be a good introduction to friction climbing technique. If you're new to outdoor climbing, going with someone experienced is strongly recommended — sandstone protection and route-finding on the pinnacles takes some familiarity.
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park has a short approach — most routes are reachable within 10 to 15 minutes of walking from the parking area, which makes it an efficient day out. Orchard Rock and some of the other Cashmere-area crags may require a bit more route-finding to locate. Bring a current guidebook or a downloaded topo, since trail signage at smaller crags is minimal.
