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Overview
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:
In addition, the collection of Pillars also includes:
Summary
![Pillars Of Hercules Pillars Of Hercules](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_0785-224x300.jpg)
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 Pillars Of Hercules](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_0726-1024x768.jpg)
North face of The Pillars as seen from the northwest. Railroad tracks provide the ambiance (Feb. 25, 2006).
![Pillars Of Hercules Pillars Of Hercules](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_0181-1024x768.jpg)
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 Pillars Of Hercules](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_0767-1024x768.jpg)
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 Pillars Of Hercules](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/pillars_of_hercules03-699x1024.jpg)
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 Pillars Of Hercules](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_0784-768x1024.jpg)
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 Pillars Of Hercules](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_0785-768x1024.jpg)
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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