NPS, Brian Pickard

Newhalem Town Walls

Ross Lake National Recreation Area General Management Plan

Follow the highlight to the right for current information about park planning efforts for the Ross Lake National Recreation Area General Management Plan.

Climbers see information below about agreements for climbing in the Newhalem area.

Recent work includes the proposal to designate parts of the Skagit River as Wild and Scenic River Cooridor.

Mountain Lakes Fishery Plan

North Cascades National Park Service Complex completed the multi-year planning and Environmental Assessment process for the Fishery Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement.

Stehekin River Corridor Implementation Plan

North Cascades National Park Service Complex is engaged in the planning process for a Stehekin River Corridor Implementation Plan within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Proposed actions are in response to repeated flooding in the lower Stehekin River Corridor. The planning and environmental impact analysis process helps determine the future management of lands within Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Follow the highlight to the right for current information.

NPS, Brian Pickard

Permitted area for Newhalem crags climbing development

Attention Rock Climbers!

The National Park Service and the Washington Climber's Coalition (http://www.washingtonclimbers.org/) have signed an interim agreement regarding route development within Ross Lake NRA. The Agreement lifts the voluntary moratorium on new climbing route development at the "Newhalem Crags" within the Skagit Gorge. The Agreement outlines the terms and conditions for new climbing route development at the Newhalem Crags, and is specifically intended to provide temporary guidance to climbers regarding access and route development in the area. Long-term guidance regarding climbing and route development is currently being developed via the Ross Lake General Management Planning process [link to GMP at right highlight]. Climbers are strongly encouraged to remain engaged in the planning process. The next opportunity for public comment will be in Fall 2009, when the draft GMP/Environmental Impact Statement will be released for public review and comment. For more information, please download the Agreement [PDF file of Agreement].

NPS, Brian Pickard

Diablo junction cliff along State Route 20

Key Points for Climbers:

•       Rock climbing is acceptable and appropriate recreational activity within North Cascades NPS Complex and Ross Lake NRA.

•       Climbers are strongly encouraged to use "Leave No Trace" principles. Please pack out what you pack in. 

•       Climbers interested in developing new bolted sport climbing routes within Ross Lake NRA must abide by the terms and conditions of the Agreement. 

•       Intentional damage to the environment (e.g. removing vegetation, terracing) to enable climbing and route development is prohibited. 

•       The Agreement is intended to provide temporary guidance on climbing while the Ross Lake GMP is being developed.

•       Access to the Newhalem Crag is tricky because it involves walking along the shoulder of SR20. Climbers are encouraged to exercise extreme caution in this area.

•       In the event of an emergency, the nearest phone is in Newhalem by the General Store. Cell phones do not work in the area.

•       For more information, please contact Kinsey Shilling, Chief Ranger (360.854.7240).