Washington · Rock climbing · Washougal

(2) Middle Earth

Middle Earth in Washington has 10 routes across 7 grades, offering sport and trad climbing.

10 routes
5.6 – 5.11a
Sport · Trad

Is (2) Middle Earth open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists an alert for Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

As of · Source: USFS · Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit (2) Middle Earth

Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    44° / 33°

    20 wet · 1 snow

  2. Feb

    48° / 33°

    17 wet · 1 snow

  3. Mar

    54° / 35°

    20 wet · 1 snow

  4. Apr

    59° / 38°

    19 wet

  5. May

    67° / 43°

    15 wet

  6. Jun

    71° / 47°

    11 wet

  7. Jul

    79° / 50°

    6 wet

  8. Aug

    80° / 50°

    5 wet

  9. Sep

    74° / 46°

    9 wet

  10. Oct

    62° / 41°

    15 wet

  11. Nov

    51° / 37°

    19 wet

  12. Dec

    44° / 33°

    21 wet · 1 snow

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Skamania Fish Hatchery, WA, 3.8 mi away at 435 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

(2) Middle Earth is a rock climbing area in Washington's Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among a cluster of named climbing spots, with (1) Shire Wall and (3) Snake Wall each about 0.1 mile away. The area is known for its mix of sport and trad routes, with grades ranging from about 5.6 to 5.11a. Ten routes were listed in this area, five sport and five trad. Helm's Deep is a sport route at 5.9, and House of Pain is a sport route at 5.11a. Night Owl, a trad route at 5.6, and Leisure Time, a trad route at 5.9, round out the options. Summer is the most comfortable time to climb. At the nearby Skamania Fish Hatchery weather station, typical averages run to highs near 79°F in July and 80°F in August, with only about five or six wet days a month, while winter months typically bring highs in the mid-40s and rain on 20 or more days. For time off the rock, the High Water Trail and Lagoon Trail are both within about 1.5 miles. Gordon Creek, a paddling spot, is about 4.8 miles away.

Keep exploring — more climbs worth the drive