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Orbit, 5.8+, 7 pitches, Snow Creek Wall, Washington

 
 

The semi alpine shield of granite called the Snow Creek Wall is home to one rather famous route, Outer Space, and several less prestigious neighbors. Of these other humble outings, barely eeking out an existence in the shadows of their majestic companion, the wandering Orbit is probably the most climbed.
Being the secondary, less exploited option is seems to have retained an air of adventure, if not respect. Rumors of runout, insecure passages among ill defined features have been circulating, especially in pre-Google times, back when one or two rudimentary guidebooks was all the entire state had to offer. Nowadays you can get 17 different route descriptions with a couple of mouse clicks. Perusing these still leaves one slightly apprehensive regarding the nature of Orbit.
Good. Apprehension breeds awareness and adrenaline, which in turn leads to a stronger experience, especially when the route in fact is kinda spooky. As is the case with Orbit.

Well, enough tiptoeing around the real question: Is Orbit harder than Outer Space? Yes it was for fivenineclimber. I lead all the pitches on both climbs 8 months apart in basically the same shape. Sure, I had to dip deep into the sparse reserves of courage and strength to solve the crux move on Outer Space, but those amazing headwall pitches was not hard for the grade, nor that sustained. Orbit on the other hand met us with long sections of cruxy face climbing with less than ideal (but certainly adequate) pro. There was quite hard moves on at least 4 pitches, ranging from a wide flare over steep, thin cracks to face moves around exposed outside corners.

So, that leads to the next issue: Which one is better? Well, Orbit might just be the winner. It left a stronger impression and demanded more varied skills, such as routefinding and creative pro placements. But if you got just one shot at the Snow Creek Wall, do Outer Space for the sheer beauty of that headwall crack.

Quick tips for Orbit, without saying too much:
The start is nebulous at best, and possibly debilitatingly confusing. A good topo is important.
After completing the strange mantel high on the 4th pitch you'll arrive at two manky bolts that looks like a bad belay. It is. Waste no time here, but climb on thru yet another slight crux to a comfy ledge and good gear.
Bring a rack favoring small camming units and stoppers in copious amounts. Nothing bigger than a #3.5 Friend is needed. Rope drag could be an issue with a single rope.
We spent about an hour longer on this route compared to Outer Space.

See here for more general beta about Snow Creek Wall and details for climbing Outer Space.

 
 
Sonja is here in the middle of the fine, albeit short stretch of thin crack climbing on the 3rd pitch.
Nearing the top of the spooky 4th lead of Orbit.