{"id":14027,"date":"2016-12-01T22:13:11","date_gmt":"2016-12-02T06:13:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/washingt770stg.wpengine.com\/?p=14027"},"modified":"2020-05-29T16:41:13","modified_gmt":"2020-05-29T23:41:13","slug":"equinox-access-improved","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/2016\/12\/01\/equinox-access-improved\/","title":{"rendered":"May 2020 (Update) Equinox Access"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-one-full fusion-column-first fusion-column-last\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-margin-bottom:0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h2><strong>Update: May 29, 2020<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Location of parking and access:<\/strong> Walker Valley Road (CLOSED)<br \/>\n<strong>Location of trail and climbing area:<\/strong> Clear Lake District \u2013 Northwest Region \u2013 Washington Department of Natural Resources<\/p>\n<p><strong>Access considerations: <\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due concerns related to COVID-19 the Boy Scouts have requested that climbers no longer us the Walker Valley Road access. Please respect this closer and don\u2019t access Equinox by driving or walking up this road. Non-motorized access can be found up Janaki Road.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Current Status:\u00a0<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">WCC and AF are currently in talks with DNR to figure out access solutions to Equinox. Please do not jeopardize these talks by engaging in the following activities:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO NOT Access the area via the Boy Scout Camp on Walker Valley Road<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO NOT Access the area via Janaki Road by motorized vehicles (dirt bike, car, etc\u2026)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DO NOT Pick the locked gate at Janaki Road<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Please follow May 20, 2020 guidelines only &#8212; below are previous access considerations for Equinox\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Update: May 29, 2019<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Location of parking and access:<\/strong> Walker Valley Road<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Location of trail and climbing area:<\/strong> Clear Lake District \u2013 Northwest Region \u2013 Washington Department of Natural Resources<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Access considerations: <\/strong>We ask that climbers do their part by following the simple rules below for access. Access to Equinox is a privilege and it is more important than ever to maintain a good relationship with DNR and the adjacent Fire Mountain Scout Camp.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Current status:<\/strong> Climbing is allowed at Equinox. Vehicular access on state trust land roads via Janicki Road or the Scout Camp are CLOSED.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\">Due to internal security issues with campers, additional gates have been installed. Park outside the gate along Walker Valley Rd and display a Discover Pass. Stay well off the road and do not block any gates or driveways. Please carpool, and if no parking is available, <a style=\"color: #808080;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Walker+Valley+ORV\/@48.382409,-122.1817797,14.54z\/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x54856a99534160eb:0x66c556352a499eab!8m2!3d48.3751452!4d-122.1688056?shorturl=1\">park at the Walker Valley ORV parking area<\/a>, display a Discover Pass, and caravan or hike back. Please observe these requests to not jeopardize options for improved access.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">DNR may close a recreational facility or trail either temporarily or permanently for the purposes of protecting the environment, public safety, property, or to ensure DNR meets its management and administrative obligations (WAC 332-52-100).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Driving Directions:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><del>\u00a0Enter driving directions to <a style=\"color: #808080;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/48%C2%B023'11.8%22N+122%C2%B010'59.6%22W\/@48.3866111,-122.1845567,354m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d48.3865958!4d-122.183209\">Walker Valley Rd<\/a>.<\/del><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><del>When you arrive near the entrance to Fire Mountain Scout Camp, find suitable parking off Walker Valley Road and do not block any gates or driveways.<\/del><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><del>Do not drive through any gates as they may be temporarily open and get closed or locked behind you.<\/del><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Hiking Directions:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">\u00a0Instead of walking through the Scout Camp, continue walking straight on Walker Valley Road through <a style=\"color: #808080;\" href=\"https:\/\/washingt770stg.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image001-e1559172294156.jpg\">this gate (photo)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Walk 1.5 miles, staying right at a fork in the road.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The trailhead location is <a style=\"color: #808080;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/48%C2%B024'12.6%22N+122%C2%B010'25.8%22W\/@48.403503,-122.1743749,177m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d48.403503!4d-122.173822\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Follow a faint trail for 1.2 miles, crossing a stream, and turning right on the road to reach the old Janicki Road parking area. Continue east on the road until a faint trail is seen on the left.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The Equinox climbing area is <a style=\"color: #808080;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/48%C2%B024'47.1%22N+122%C2%B010'13.5%22W\/@48.413092,-122.1717162,414m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d48.413092!4d-122.170425\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Additional Rules &amp; Restrictions:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Please be respectful, drive slow, and limit noise when parking on Walker Valley Rd<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Consider carpooling as parking is limited. Never block the road, gates or driveways. If there is no room to park, please climb elsewhere to avoid crowding at the crag.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Display a current Discover Pass when parking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Yield to other vehicles and do not interfere with any and all timber management activities or other property owners in the area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Fires are strictly prohibited.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\">No littering \u2013 pack in, pack out<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>October 5, 2016. Seattle, WA<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #808080;\">The Access Fund and Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC) are pleased to announce that after years of uncertain access, climbers can (for now) enjoy improved access to Equinox, a premier steep sport climbing crag outside Mt. Vernon in Western Washington.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Climbing here is a privilege, not a right. Please follow the practices set forth below and at all times strive to be a good ambassador for the climbing community.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Do not drive to Equinox via Janicki Road.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><del><em>Please be respectful, drive slow, and limit noise when driving through the Scout Camp. Your behavior is critical to maintaining this agreement.<\/em><\/del><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><del><em>Unlock and relock the bridge gate correctly. Incorrect use may prevent other authorized access.<\/em><\/del><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><del><em>Close the gate behind your vehicle every time, even if left open by others.<\/em><\/del><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Consider carpooling as parking is limited. Never block the road. If there is no room to park, please climb elsewhere to avoid crowding at the crag.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Display a current Discover Pass when parking.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Yield to other vehicles and do not interfere with any and all timber management activities.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>Fires are strictly prohibited.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>No littering \u2013 pack in, pack out<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>DNR may close a recreational facility or trail either temporarily or permanently for the purposes of protecting the environment, public safety, property, or to ensure DNR meets its management and administrative obligations (WAC 332-52-100).<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em>This renewed access could not have been possible without support from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Mount Baker Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">______________<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><strong>Full News Item (old):<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">New partnership gives climbers reliable access to Equinox October 5, 2016. Seattle, WA \u2013 Access Fund and Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC) are pleased to announce that after years of uncertain access, climbers now have a reliable access point to Equinox, a premier sport climbing crag outside Mt. Vernon in Western Washington.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Equinox boasts up to 200 feet of vertical to overhanging routes on the western face of a volcanic intrusion. \u201cFor 5.12 and harder routes, Equinox offers some of the best sport climbing in Western Washington,\u201d states Benjit Hull, who has been climbing at Equinox since 2006.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">While climbing at Equinox has been allowed since the area\u2019s development in the 1990s, vehicular access onto the state trust lands has proved to be an ongoing challenge for climbers. Most climbers access Equinox from the northern access point, which is on state trust land managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This northern access point has a gate off Janicki Road, which is sometimes left open and sometimes locked. When locked, climbers would have to hike or bike 6 miles to the crag, making short day trips to Equinox difficult to impossible. When the gate was open, climbers would drive the 6 miles, but risked getting locked in. Due to recent issues with vandalism, DNR would not consider motorized recreational access, and recently warned several climbers that they would be ticketed for driving to Equinox, even if the gate was opened.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">To find a way around this access challenge, Access Fund and Washington Climber Coalition reached out to the managers of nearby Fire Mountain Scout Camp, a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) group that owns land on the southern side of Equinox that could provide an alternate access point. The scout camp agreed to share their gated access point, giving climbers an alternate a shorter drive from the Seattle area, and only 25 minutes of additional hiking to reach Equinox.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">\u201cThis is a great victory for Northwest climbers,\u201d says Access Fund Board Member and WCC General Counsel Jonah Harrison. \u201cBut access is not guaranteed. We need to maintain this partnership and relationship with the Fire Mountain Scout Camp and DNR to enjoy access now and in future years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Although Equinox is well-known among seasoned sport climbers of Western Washington and British Columbia, climbers have a \u201cno guidebook, no publicity\u201d policy due to the area\u2019s sensitive access. To be inclusive and ensure the right steps are followed by all climbers looking to visit Equinox, we are sharing key access information to the greater northwest climbing community, but ask that climbers do their part by following the simple rules for access. For those who have never experienced the fun sport climbs at Equinox, we ask that you go with a partner that knows the area first and respect local climbers\u2019 desire to keep route information unpublished at this time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><span style=\"color: #808080;\">Access to Equinox is a privilege and it is more important than ever to maintain a good relationship with DNR and Fire Mountain Scout Camp.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14028,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14027","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14027","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14027"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14027\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14028"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14027"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14027"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/washingtonclimbers.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}