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Washington · Rock Climbing
Redmond's rock climbing scene is built around a surprisingly varied collection of boulders and climbing areas that punch above their weight for a city this size.
52 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 52 spots
Redmond's rock climbing scene is built around a surprisingly varied collection of boulders and climbing areas that punch above their weight for a city this size. The 52 active listings span everything from technical face climbing to arete problems and crack routes, with named areas like the South Face and S. Dihedral, East Slab, North Face, and East Tower giving you a sense of how much terrain is actually packed in here. Specific routes like Left Brick, Center Brick, Right Arete, and the Y Face in both its left and right start variations mean there's enough to keep intermediate climbers busy across multiple sessions. Bouldering is represented too, with problems like the South Lip Traverse rounding out the options for those who prefer to work without a rope. The rock types vary by area — Sandstone Flake and Hueco Tanks suggest some textured, featured stone that rewards careful footwork — and the mix of dihedrals, slabs, aretes, and roof problems means you're not doing the same movement patterns all day. For climbers based in the Seattle metro area, Redmond offers accessible local mileage that's worth knowing well before you drive three hours to a destination crag.
The listing mix includes slab routes on the East Slab, straightforward face problems like Left Edge and Left Rib, and more technical features like the Roof Arete and Right Face Layback Edge, which suggests a range from beginner-friendly to intermediate terrain. Newer climbers can get real mileage on lower-angle features, while those comfortable on aretes and dihedrals will find enough variety to stay challenged. If you're brand new to outdoor climbing, going with someone who knows the local rock is a smart call before you try to read the terrain cold.
The Pacific Northwest window for outdoor climbing generally runs late spring through early fall, with July through September being the most reliable for dry rock. Spring and fall can work on clear days, but the Redmond area gets significant rainfall from October through April and wet rock on slabs and face routes is a real hazard. Check conditions the morning of your visit — even a dry forecast can leave shaded areas damp after recent rain.
Rib stem
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
East Tower
~0 min drive
Washington climbing area with varied routes and solid rock.
Brick layer 25
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Roof arete, left-side approach
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
East Slab
~0 min drive
Washington slab climbing focused on technique and friction.
F-F-F
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Right of Nose
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Marymoor Park Outdoor Sport Crag
~0 min drive
Accessible sport climbing crag in Washington park setting.
The 19th Brick
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Center Brick
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
East faces & Dihedral
~0 min drive
East-facing Washington crag with face and corner climbing.
South lip traverse
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Bouldering
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Rock climbing
Redmond, Washington
Bouldering areas like the South Lip Traverse require a crash pad and climbing shoes at minimum — a brush for holds is useful given the Pacific Northwest tendency for lichen and moss. For roped routes across areas like the South Face and S. Dihedral or East Tower, bring a standard sport or trad rack depending on the specific route, a rope, and a helmet. Check individual route descriptions before you go, since the mix of crack routes, face climbs, and dihedrals means gear requirements vary meaningfully across the 52 listings.
Access details vary by specific area, and some of Redmond's climbing is on land with specific parking or permit requirements that can change seasonally. Before your visit, check with local climbing organizations or the land manager for the specific area you're targeting — particularly for spots like Hueco Tanks and Yosemite, which are named areas that may have their own access considerations. Arriving early on weekends is generally wise since popular areas fill up.
Routes with more forgiving features — lower-angle slabs on the East Slab, or straightforward face problems like Left Edge and Left Crack with Pebbles — are reasonable starting points for climbers transitioning from the gym. The West Rib and Corner routes also suggest moderate, structured terrain. That said, outdoor climbing introduces route-finding and anchor-building that gyms don't, so pairing up with an experienced partner or a local guide for your first session will make the day safer and more productive.