The unique Coethedral crag Coethedral is an amazing knobby rock, located in the Clackamas Recreation Area, with it's long bolted climbs make this a face and knob climbers paradise: highly recommended, unique and nearly unlike anything in Oregon. Ben Priestly had found this cliff by luck way back while he was still in High school, yet except for bouldering, the first climbing routes waited until protection had gotten larger due to the soft nature of the rock out here. The top point of the cliff is approx. 400 feet high from the base.
Despite the easy routes and the bolted nature of them, new and aspiring leaders shouldn't make this the first stop upon leaving the rock gym with their new harness, shoes and belay skills. This area is out of cell phone range and isolated. The rock is sharp and tough on ropes, and having a phat 10.5mm or larger and not a uber thin 9.1mm thick rope is advised. Repeatedly dogging like you are in a gym sets you up for the real possibility of chopping your rope on the abrasive rock, or smashing an ankle and/or a kneecap in a fall.
Climbing here should be treated as very serious, more like planning an alpine trip than a picnic in the park on a sunny day. Many route pitches are long and parties should be fully prepared to self rescue in the event of an accident. Bolts are often not as close as in the gym and depending on your location a fall could be very painful, bumpy and ugly. Wear a helmet.
The Coethedral climbing season is generally limited to the months from June-October due to snowpack and elevation (3,000’). The grades are relative and can change due to key rock holds popping off. Climbing routes that are infrequently traveled tend to be friable. Rock hand holds may be less stable after heavy rains because the porous conglomerate groundmass is weakened.
There is ultimately one common book source with directions and beta to this climbing site:
1. Northwest Oregon Rock
Services: The nearest gas station is in Estacada, Oregon.
Amenities: Estacada is the closest town, with grocery stores, Post Office, restaurants, fast-food eateries, taverns, etc.
Camping: Plenty of popular fee camping sites along the entire Clackamas River (Lazy Bend, Fish Creek, Carter Bridge, Sunstrip, etc.). Free roadside camping can be found on various National Forest secondary roads closer to Coethedral.
Administrative Agency: The land in this region is managed by Clackamas Ranger District, 61431 E. Hwy 224, Estacada, OR 97023, 503-630-4256.
Seasonal Factors: Being located at 3,200' elevation, the winter snowpack tends to keep this site out of reach during the long winter months. Best to visit from late May through early-October when the crag is known to be dry. The crag faces northwest-ish (WNW).
Climbing Precautions: Always wear a helmet. Avoid standing directly under the lead climber (if possible).
Road access conditions: U.S. Hwy 224 is all paved, while NF4622 is only paved briefly. The remainder of the gravel road is in reasonable condition.
Additional Notes: The site is suited for skilled rock climber's (not for novices).