Wankers Columns
Climbing Area
Wankers
Columns
Wankers Columns — Hood River, Oregon
Wankers Columns is a small but scenic basalt crag tucked away in the forested hills just south of Hood River, Oregon. Perched on a quiet slope with views down toward the Columbia River Gorge, this area offers a surprisingly solid selection of traditional and sport climbs on columnar basalt, similar in style to nearby Oregon destinations like Broughton Bluff or the more rugged formations at the Lower Gorge of Smith Rock.
The columns themselves are vertical and tightly packed, forming a series of fins, cracks, and face features that lend themselves well to both gear and bolt protection. The rock quality is generally good, with sharp edges, solid jams, and thoughtful movement. Though the climbs aren’t especially long—most routes are in the 30-50 foot range—they make up for it with variety and fun movement.
Climbs range from moderate trad lines like Choss Whisperer (5.8) to tougher finger cracks and steep face routes pushing into the 5.11s. There’s also a mix of mixed-protection routes and some pure sport climbs, making Wankers a great destination for small groups with varying interests. Protection can be tricky on some lines, so it’s best to bring a full rack, a few longer slings, and a healthy sense of adventure. The landings tend to be rocky, so helmets and care are advised.
Access & Approach:
From downtown Hood River, head south on OR-35 and then take a series of forest roads (typically involving a short drive on gravel) to reach the trailhead. The approach is short—less than 10 minutes on a well-worn trail that climbs gently to the base of the columns. Parking is limited, and while this area doesn’t usually see crowds, please carpool and minimize impact when possible. This is public land but close to private property, so be respectful and pack out all trash.
Season:
Best climbing is from late spring through early fall. The crag is partially shaded, so it stays climbable on warmer days, but it can be damp in early spring. After rain, the rock may take a day or two to fully dry out due to the shaded forest environment.
Character:
Wankers Columns is low-key, a little under the radar, and a solid spot for climbers looking to explore beyond the major PNW hubs. It’s a great place to escape the crowds, hone your trad skills on short but meaningful pitches, and enjoy the beauty of the Hood River backcountry.
Trout Creek Jr. (emphasis on Jr.)
Despite its cheeky name, Wankers Columns has earned a reputation as a worthwhile stop for locals and adventurous visitors looking for quieter, technical climbing. The basalt here, though fractured by nature, tends to be more solid than it looks—offering clean jams, aretes, and stemming corners that require thoughtful footwork and good crack technique. Many of the routes feel like mini-testpieces, asking for finesse rather than brute strength, especially on the thinner cracks and balancy faces. This makes it a particularly good training ground for trad climbers preparing for bigger objectives in the Gorge or at Trout Creek.
The area’s modest size makes it easy to sample most of the climbing in a day, and its compact layout is ideal for cragging with a small group. While development is limited, a few newer routes have been added over the years, often by local climbers with a light hand and respect for traditional ethics. There’s also potential for bouldering and some low-key exploration nearby, though most visitors come for the established roped climbing. Overall, Wankers Columns is the kind of crag that rewards the curious—offering solitude, a hint of adventure, and a slice of classic Pacific Northwest climbing just minutes from the buzz of Hood River.
The Guidebook
The
Guide
Download the Next Ascent app for a complete guidebook for areas all over the Northwest. You can also subscribe to Next Ascent and unlock every guide in our platform. It has beta on this small area and lists all the bouldering.
