Three Birches

Approach

take the trail marked "lower left wall" - the first of the approach trails to Cathedral Ledge as you drive along the access road. It's just past the 2 outhouses on the left side. Walk along the trail for about 5 minutes; Three Birches is the first route that you'll see when you reach the base of the cliff - an obvious right-trending undercling flake.

Route Description

Pitch 1: follow the undercling flake right (often wet, making it much harder) until it ends, then step up onto a small ledge. Follow another crack, trending back left, until you reach a small tree with some slings around it.

Pitch 2: Follow an obvious crack system straight up, past a large tree on the left (more slings). From the tree, climb a layback crack-flake until you reach a small overlap; step left and climb over this (crux - tricky move). Belay above at a tree on the right. Do not be tempted to continue up the lichen-covered slabs to the top of the ledge - the rope drag will be terrible and the belays incovenient.

Descend by making 2 rappels from the tree.

Essential Gear

nuts, cams to 2 1/2 inches. Extended slings useful as there are many turns. Double ropes can be helpful.

Miscellaneous Info

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