Prime Rib

Prime Rib is an incredibly cool easy-moderate sport climb overlooking the Methow Valley. Solid rock, ample protection, easy access, and a wonderful location add up to a classic and fun romp up this massive wall.

Although there are 5.9 cruxes on this climb, they are all very short and very well-protected. Overall, the route is extremely generous in its bolting.

Pitch 1:

Begin at a small fir tree. Head up easy 5th-class ledges to a large ledge with a bolted anchor next to a large fir.

(5.4)

Pitch 2:

Steep face to an anchor.

(5.8)

Shift

the belay to below a left-facing dihedral.

Pitch 3:

Up the dihedral. You will pass a rappel anchor. Continue up to the anchor on the ledge with the large blocks.

(5.7)

Pitch 4:

Climb the face above through three steep cruxes. Juggy pockets just where you want them keep the grade moderate. End in the Notch.

(5.9-)

Pitch 5:

Climb the straight-forward face above. Belay at a tree.

(5.7)

Shift

the belay to the large fir by the wall. The top of the gully is here. It is my understanding that you can descend the gully from here. It might be an unpleasant "pinball" experience down the scree. Beware loose rock from above.

Pitch 6:

Climb a nicely exposed face with a slight left-to-right traverse.

(5.8)

Pitch 7:

This pitch begins with a bouldery crux off the ledge. There are a couple more bouldery moves on this fun pitch.

(5.9-)

Shift

the belay again to below the juggy slab. There is a large fir tree here showing scars from the frequent rockfall at this spot. Beware, especially if there are parties above you here.

Pitch 8:

Climb the fun juggy slab to a semi-hanging anchor.

(5.8)

Pitch 9:

This pitch follows a short, exposed traverse to the right.

(5.4)

Pitch 10:

Traverse back to the left. You will reach a 2-bolt anchor. It might be preferable to continue up to the beginning of the next pitch and belay off of the first bolt. If you opt to belay off of the 2-bolt anchor, be sure to shift your belay before starting Pitch 11.

(Easy 5th-, 4th-, and 3rd class)

Pitch 11:

The money pitch. Begin by ascending a short leaning pillar. Stem over to the main wall, and thrutch up a somewhat awkward set of features. Beyond, the awkwardness eases, but the difficulty remains consistent.

(5.9)

Park at the swimming hole parking area, on Lost River Road, north of Mazama. The trailhead is 100 m north of the parking. Follow the trail up to the talus field. Cross the talus to gain the trail up and back to the left. The route begins at the foot of the buttress, just south of the cascading Goat Creek (on the south side of the next gully south of the creek, actually).

A more detailed description of the approach and the route itself can be found in Bryan Burdo's guidebook, or by asking at the Goat's Beard climbing shop in Mazama.

You can rappel the route with a single rope. Alternatively, you can park a car (or bike) shuttle on Goat Creek Road, and hike to the top and drive back down.

If opting for the car shuttle, drive up Goat Creek Road; turn left at the Y (hairpin). Follow the road up past 2 (?) cattle guards. At the second cattle guard, the road will begin descending. Park here. The trail should be on the left side of the road, just north of the barbed-wire fence.

To return to your vehicle from the top of Prime Rib, the key idea to keep in mind is that you are north of the barbed-wire fence, and there is a trail that runs all the way along the fence to the top of the wall.

From the top of Pitch 11, continue up 2nd- and 3rd-class ledges until you reach the forest. Continue uphill, aiming to stay on the ridge. If in doubt, go right (south). It is impossible to go too far right. Eventually you will find the fence. Follow it back to the road. Allow 30 minutes.

15 quickdraws. A single 60-m rope.

Helmets

. (Even though the climbing is on solid rock, there is an abundance of loose scree on ledges throughout the climb.)