Pillars Of Hercules

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Overview

Pillars Of Hercules

Shirley at the base of the south face (Feb. 25, 2006).

The little pillars have quite a collection of routes on them. In addition to the East Route (I 5.4), Dodge also lists the following lines on the principle formation:

  • North Face I 5.5
  • North Face Variation I 5.5
  • North Face Traverse II 5.6
  • South Face II 5.8
  • West Arête II A2
  • In addition, the collection of Pillars also includes:

  • Cigar Rock. This is the 30-foot cigar-shaped pillar standing between the main Pillars cluster and the interstate.
  • Pinochle Pinnacle. 100 yards east of the main Pillars cluster – a tower adjacent to a cliff. 2 pitches, 5.5.
  • Summary

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Shirley hiking out along the old railroad bed after our climb of The Pillars (silhouette in the background; Feb. 25, 2006).

    First, we figured we’ll hike along the RR tracks to the base. But there was a train parked near the TH with a curious engineer watching us. Given that I’m not really sure whether we’d be trespassing (something my PO might not appreciate), we waited and waited and waited….Finally drove around looking for another way in. Found one via Bridal Veil Overlook. 20 minutes of horizontal bushwhacking. 30 minutes of vertical bushwhacking. We climbed the easiest line up, the East Route (5.4). This BTW, is a primo spot for mooning cars on I84. Also, my life now has a new goal: I want to bag all 5 (+ 1 variation) routes on The Pillars!

     

    Photos

    Pillars Of Hercules

    North face of The Pillars as seen from the northwest. Railroad tracks provide the ambiance (Feb. 25, 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Interesting Gorge vegetation on the hike in to The Pillars.

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Blondie hiking in to the Pillars Of Hercules (Feb. 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Shirley and Blondie at the base of the Pillars Of Hercules (Feb. 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Beginning the lead of East Route on The Pillars – cool rock eh (Feb. 25, 2006)?

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Blondie keeping an eye on us on the East Route of The Pillars Of Hercules.

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Leading the East Route on The Pillars (Feb. 25, 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Looking back (east) along the mossy ledge midway up East Route on The Pillars (Feb. 25, 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Shirley topping out on The Pillars via East Route final chimney. Great rock (Feb. 25, 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Yours truly on the summit freezing his ass off . This is looking east into the Columbia River Gorge. Note the summit rap anchor – coils of steel cable around “mystery heap” (moss, dirt and some sticks; Feb. 25, 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Shirley on the summit. This is looking westward.

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Shirley rapping down the south face – note the moss so typical on Gorge routes. The rap line follows the South Face route - a mossy, loose 5.8 groove. Yum (Feb. 25, 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Shirley at the base of the south face after rapping off the summit. Note that the South Face route follows the rap line. Yum – mossy and loose 5.8 pitch that I just can't wait to go back and do....(Feb. 25, 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Shirley at the base of the south face of Pillars Of Hercules after we rapped off.

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Bushwhacking out after climbing The Pillars.

    Pillars Of Hercules

    The Pillars Of Hercules (principle formation) from the SE. The flake & chimney (formed by it and the main tower) you see on the right side of the tallest tower is where the East Route passes onto the north face (Feb. 25, 2006).

    Pillars Of Hercules

    Shirley hiking out along the old railroad bed after our climb of The Pillars (silhouette in the background; Feb. 25, 2006).

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