I just wanted to make sure to get this TR on the net due to the fact that, last week when I was looking for info or pics on this area I could not find anything of worth on the net, so here it is
I took my neighbor out for his first time on ice and we have another convert Umptanum is a great place to get introduced to the sport. Short approach, no avi danger, plenty of stray ice buldges to practice swinging etc. before tying in, and solid natural anchors for setting up a Top Rope.
Trip Date: January 19th
Location: Umptanum Falls Ellensburg
Approach: from Parking lot walk 20 minutes level - slightly down hill to top of falls
Areas: Main Falls 30' WI2 - various lines possible /// Snow Fed Drip 35-40' WI3 - Various Lines Possible /// Various practice Ice Buldges on walk down to base of falls.
Conditions on day of climb: Main Falls- not solid, a lot of water running behind it, access pool at bottom not frozen. /// Snow Fed Drip- picked out a bit 3-3+ with a thinner harder start toward the middle and left side of the Drip.
Area photo overview below:
Main Falls Below:
My Neighbor John on the Snow Fed Drip across from the main falls
Marla climbing the same Drip: picture taken looking down from the top of Umptanum falls
if interested more pics of the area and day can be viewed at
http://picasaweb.google.com/Iceclimber39/UmptanumFallsEllensburgWa
Andy