04/12/2009

Access Fund and Washington Climbers Coalition Working to Protect Lower Index Town Wall, WA

Date: 4/13/2009

The Index Town Walls of Washington feature one of the best concentrations of steep, clean granite cracks and face climbs in Western North America. Prior to its 50-year climbing history, parts of the Lower Town Wall were quarried for granite before the Burlington Northern railroad moved closer to the wall in the 1960s. While the Country and Upper Town Wall are protected on State Park and National Forest land, the family who ran the quarrying operation still own the 20-acre parcel that includes the Inner Walls, Lower Town Wall, and Quarry. This area contains such classics as Thin Fingers, Godzilla, CityPark, and Toxic Shock.

The landowners have historically allowed public access and climbing. However, recent interest from quarrying companies led the landowner to post no trespassing signs earlier in March. The Access Fund and Washington Climbers Coalition are working closely together to address the access issue and work with the landowner to find an alternative solution, such as permanent protection through acquisition in the near future. The Access Fund and WCC thank the climbing community, Washington State Parks, and other advocates for your support. For more information, property map, and updates, please view: www.washingtonclimbers.org/Current/Town.htm.