Climbing and rappelling at Horsethief Butte

All skill levels are welcome, even beginners! The climbing crags of Horsethief Butte are a popular spot for climbing instructors to test their students’ verticals skills.

We’ll find a short, moderate scrambling route through the rocks to find an available wall. Daniel will set up a route for us, and those of us who are able will take turns belaying. In addition to top roped climbing, Daniel may also set up a rappel.

Please bring your own helmet, harness, shoes, and belay device. We may have extra gear, but please ask first.

• Difficulty: Easy hiking / light scrambling to reach the crag. Easy to moderate climbing routes

• Hiking distance: Less than a mile

• Elevation gain: 250 feet of easy scrambling for Horsethief Butte, plus up & down the route(s)

• Total time: Flexible; We'll leave when we're done

• Permits: Discover Passes for each vehicle (If anyone is carpooling, please offer to pitch in for gas/permits/tolls to the drivers), $3.50 each way for Hood River Bridge

• Driving distance: 87 miles from Portland (Feel free to arrange carpools from Gateway Transit Center, etc.)

• Dogs: Not on this one, unless you're sure they can behave around climbers

• Bring: Lunch, extra water, sturdy shoes or boots, climbing shoes, helmet, harness, and belay device.

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; NW Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.