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Washington · Rock Climbing
North McNary's rock climbing scene is compact but legitimate, centered on Portage Cliffs Bouldering — a single area that accounts for all six problems currently listed here.
6 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 6 spots
North McNary's rock climbing scene is compact but legitimate, centered on Portage Cliffs Bouldering — a single area that accounts for all six problems currently listed here. The lineup skews toward bouldering, with named problems like Laminated Mantle, Snake and Ladder, Zonk, Smurf Turf, and Stony-Faced giving you a sense of the character: varied movement, a bit of personality in the naming, and enough variety to keep a dedicated session interesting. This isn't a destination you'd fly across the country for, but if you're already in the Columbia River corridor or passing through southeastern Washington, it's a worthwhile stop. The area sits close to the river, which means wind and temperature can shift quickly depending on the season. Six problems is a short tick list, so most climbers treat this as a half-day outing or a warm-up stop rather than a multi-day trip. That said, the quality of individual problems matters more than quantity, and locals who know these walls tend to return for specific lines rather than volume.
All six listed problems are at Portage Cliffs Bouldering, which is the single climbing area in this scope. Look up Portage Cliffs specifically when navigating — searching broadly for North McNary climbing may not get you there cleanly.
Everything currently listed is bouldering. There are no sport or trad routes in the active listings for this area, so leave the rope and harness at home and bring your crash pad.
A crash pad is essential since all the climbing here is bouldering. Bring climbing shoes, a brush for holds, and chalk. Given the proximity to the Columbia River, a wind layer is worth packing even on days that start warm.
Laminated Mantle
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Portage Cliffs Bouldering
Washington bouldering area featuring natural rock problems and outcroppings.
Taqueria Dreams
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Snake and Ladder
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Lower Band
~33 min drive
Accessible Washington climbing area with moderate-grade routes.
Jimgermanclimb
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Zonk
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Upper Band
~33 min drive
Accessible Washington climbing area with varied routes for developing climbers.
Double The Sun
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Stony-Faced
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Wallulove
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Smurf Turf
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Spring and fall tend to offer the best friction conditions in the Columbia River corridor — summers get hot and the rock can feel greasy in direct afternoon sun. Early mornings or shaded sessions are your best bet if you're visiting in July or August. Winter is possible on dry days but the area can be cold and damp.
The listing data doesn't include difficulty grades for individual problems, so it's hard to say with certainty which lines are beginner-friendly. With only six problems total, intermediate and advanced climbers will likely run through the area quickly. If you're new to bouldering, go with someone who has climbed here before so you're not guessing at problem starts and landings.
