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Washington · Rock Climbing
Metaline Falls sits in the far northeast corner of Washington, tucked into the Selkirk Mountains near the Canadian border, and it punches well above its weight as a climbing destination.
10 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 10 spots
Metaline Falls sits in the far northeast corner of Washington, tucked into the Selkirk Mountains near the Canadian border, and it punches well above its weight as a climbing destination. The Metaline Falls climbing area hosts a solid collection of routes with names like Gun Show, Bonkers, Village Idiot, Hoochie Mamma, and Public Pretender — a lineup that signals a local crag culture with some personality. The route mix leans toward sport and single-pitch climbing, making this a practical day-trip objective rather than a multi-day expedition. With 10 active listings in the area, you're not looking at a mega-crag, but what's here is worth the drive if you're already exploring the Pend Oreille County corridor or passing through on the way to or from Canada. The town itself is small, so plan your logistics — food, fuel, and lodging — before you arrive rather than counting on finding things open. Cell service in the area can be spotty, so download your beta and maps ahead of time.
The route names at the Metaline Falls climbing area suggest a range that skews toward intermediate climbers, though without published grade data for every route, beginners should research specific lines like Far Left and Sod Farm before committing to a trip. If you're new to outdoor climbing, go with someone who has been to this crag before.
Late spring through early fall is generally the most reliable window, with June through September offering the best odds of dry rock. Northeast Washington gets real winters, and the crag can hold snow and ice well into April. Summer mornings tend to be cooler before afternoon heat sets in, so an early start is worth it.
Metaline Falls
~0 min drive
Northeast Washington climbing area with routes for multiple skill levels.
Village Idiot
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Pika Crack
~1h drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Northeast Corner & Spokane
~41 min drive
Accessible Washington climbing with varied routes for developing climbers.
Public Pretender
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Lion's Creek
~52 min drive
Creek-side Idaho climbing area with accessible routes and scenic surroundings.
Bonkers
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
North End Wall
~54 min drive
Washington climbing area offering varied routes for multiple skill levels.
Sod Farm
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Selkirk Crest, The
~59 min drive
Idaho climbing at Selkirk Crest in the northern mountains.
[Redacted]
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Marcus
~54 min drive
Versatile Washington crag with routes for multiple skill levels.
No permit or fee requirement is listed for the Metaline Falls climbing area in the current data. That said, access situations can change, so check recent trip reports before your visit and respect any posted signage you find on approach.
A standard sport climbing rack with a 60-meter rope covers most routes here. Bring your own draws, shoes, and a helmet. Because the crag is small and the town has limited services, pack out everything you bring in and carry more water than you think you need, especially in summer.
Metaline Falls is roughly 90 miles north of Spokane, about a two-hour drive depending on your route. The roads are paved but rural, and the last stretch into town follows the Pend Oreille River. Fill up on gas in Newport or Ione before heading north, as options thin out considerably once you're in the valley.
![[Redacted]](https://rxtstxbplifuawrvkyai.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/experience-hero-fallbacks/family-illustrated/climbing-fall-2.webp)
