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Washington · Rock Climbing
Sultan, Washington sits at the western edge of the Cascades, and the climbing around it leans heavily toward bouldering on mossy, character-filled stone.
15 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 15 spots
Sultan, Washington sits at the western edge of the Cascades, and the climbing around it leans heavily toward bouldering on mossy, character-filled stone. The Mountain Loop Highway corridor — anchored by the Darrington and Mountain Loop Hwy climbing area — gives you access to a spread of problems that range from approachable warm-ups to committing lines. Most of the 15 active listings in this area are boulder problems: Tsunami, Angry Buddha, Thunder from Down Under, and Conscious Sedation represent the variety you'll find, with names like You Moss Be Joking and Moss Out For Harambe giving you a fair warning about conditions after wet weather. A handful of rope routes round out the options. This is not a destination with manicured crags and chalk-scrubbed holds — it's Pacific Northwest climbing, which means lichen management is part of the deal, beta can be sparse, and some areas are still being organized or rebuilt. If you're comfortable navigating that and you're based in the greater Seattle area, Sultan is a reasonable half-day or full-day objective without the drive time that Leavenworth demands.
The majority of listings are bouldering problems. There are a small number of roped rock climbing routes like You Moss Be Joking and Moss Out For Harambe, but if you're coming primarily for sport or trad climbing, the selection is limited compared to the bouldering on offer.
Late spring through early fall is generally the most reliable window. The Mountain Loop Highway corridor gets significant rainfall, and many problems sit under tree cover that holds moisture well into spring. Summer gives you the driest rock, though even then you should check recent conditions before making the drive — shaded boulders can stay damp for days after rain.
Black Fly
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Glacier Peak Wilderness
~9 min drive
Remote alpine climbing in Washington's glaciated Cascades wilderness.
Supersonic Man
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Online
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Far East Forest, The
~11 min drive
Forested climbing area in Washington with sheltered routes among the trees.
Bela’s Bursted Brat
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Lost Charms
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Sausage Links Boulder
~11 min drive
Accessible Washington bouldering area with problems for multiple skill levels.
The Great Kielbasa
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Ragged Edge
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Zeke's Trail Boulders
~12 min drive
Washington bouldering area with natural rock and varied problems.
Bratwurst im Mund
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Washington.
Rock climbing
Sultan, Washington
Rock climbing
Sultan, Washington
Rock climbing
Sultan, Washington
Bouldering
Sultan, Washington
Bouldering
Sultan, Washington
Bouldering
Sultan, Washington
Bouldering
Sultan, Washington
Bouldering
Sultan, Washington
Bouldering
Sultan, Washington
Rock climbing
Sultan, Washington
For the bouldering here, a crash pad is strongly recommended — most problems don't have natural flat landings. There are no rental outfitters in Sultan itself, so bring your own or arrange a rental from a gear shop in Everett or the Seattle area before heading out.
Some areas along the Mountain Loop Highway corridor are noted as being rebuilt or temporarily reorganized, so beta on specific pullouts and trailheads can be outdated. Check recent trip reports before you go, and follow any posted closure or restoration signage you encounter at the crag.
Some of the bouldering problems are approachable for newer climbers, but the area as a whole rewards people who are comfortable with route-finding on their own and managing wet or licheny rock. If you're a complete beginner, going with someone who has climbed here before will make the day significantly more productive.