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| Snowflake (5.6)   | 
| Page Type: Route Lat/Lon: 38.99510°N / 77.2524°W Route Type: Trad Climbing, Toprope Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Time Required: Less than two hours Rock Difficulty: 5.6 (YDS) Number of Pitches: 1
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| Page By: Bob Sihler Created/Edited: May 9, 2007 / May 9, 2007 Object ID: 291955 Hits: 1009 Loading... Page Score: 82.26% - 3 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview
Snowflake is a popular and exciting route of about 55 feet at the Seclusion Crag in Great Falls Park. It is suitable for toproping and possibly for leading. Although I wouldn't free solo it myself, expert climbers would probably enjoy this one because the rock is solid, the holds are abundant, and there aren't any bad overhangs to pull. Actually, I wouldn't mind free soloing this too much until I reached the small overhang at the top. But be warned-- the near-vertical nature of the upper part makes it a really bad place to decide you can't go on if you're climbing without rope.
Getting There
Just past the entrance station, turn right and park in the climbers parking area. Hike toward the river. In a minute or two, head right on the River Trail. About ten minutes of hiking will take you to a descending set of wooden steps, a bridged stream crossing, and an ascending set of wooden steps. Keep right to stay on the main trail. Soon, you cross some wooden planks protecting the forest floor, and you then reach an eroded area with a nice view of a crack-laden face just downstream. This face is the upstream end of the Seclusion crag. Start looking for an easy way to descend to the river, reach the river, and hike downstream until you see the rock formations pictured on this page. From your car to the base of the climb, it should take less than thirty minutes.
The Climb
Lower part-- It's a short pitch, maybe 10-15 feet, but pulling up it and onto the ledge above it is a somewhat tricky undertaking in the 5.4-5.5 range. There is an easier way around it to the right, though (not pictured), which is more like 5.0-5.2.
Upper part-- Here's the good stuff. The pitch is around 40 feet of invigorating climbing that is hard enough to make it fun but not so hard to scare the crap out of you. Holds are abundant and good, and the wall is there for your feet in places where the crack just isn't getting it done. The hardest moves are near the top, where the crack is thinner and you have to deal with the small overhang. Lean back and out a little to get around the last obstacles and up to the top.
Gear
Toproping gear-- great natural anchors above
Helmet a good idea
Rock shoes
Most climbers use a toprope at Great Falls, but some do lead. However, if you are interested in leading this route, please study the photos and determine what you might need to bring with you. I do not have the experience or the knowledge to list that gear, and there is no way I'm going to guess just for the sake of making this page look more complete.
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