Washington · Rock climbing · Yelm

Fossil Rock

Fossil Rock is a sport climbing crag in Washington with 8 routes.

8 routes
5.9 – 5.11b
Sport

Best time to visit Fossil Rock

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

    46° / 33°

    20 wet

  2. Feb

    48° / 33°

    16 wet

  3. Mar

    52° / 36°

    19 wet

  4. Apr

    57° / 39°

    16 wet

  5. May

    64° / 45°

    13 wet

  6. Jun

    69° / 49°

    10 wet

  7. Jul

    76° / 52°

    5 wet

  8. Aug

    76° / 53°

    5 wet

  9. Sep

    70° / 48°

    8 wet

  10. Oct

    59° / 42°

    14 wet

  11. Nov

    50° / 36°

    19 wet

  12. Dec

    45° / 33°

    20 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mcmillin Rsvr, WA, 22.8 mi away at 579 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Fossil Rock is a climbing area in northeastern Washington, about 5 miles from the town of La Grande. It sits among several other climbing spots, with Cave Wall and Boyle Bobbins Wall each about 0.1 mile away, so it works well as a stop for a day of climbing in the area. The climbing here is all sport, and the routes run from about 5.9 to 5.11b on the YDS scale. The easiest are Fat Free and Mr. Meanie at 5.9, and the hardest is Room With A View at 5.11b. Poppa Oscar Tango is 5.11a. Summer is the most comfortable time to climb. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 76°F with only about five wet days a month, while winter months bring highs in the mid-40s and rain on 20 days a month. That station sits roughly 600 feet lower than the area, so temperatures at the rock run a little cooler. Nearby, the Deschutes River offers paddling about 5 miles away, and the Hugo Peak Trail and Trail of the Giants are both within about 6 miles for a hike.