Desert Fun: Vantage and Frenchman Coulouee

Vantage, Washington—more specifically Frenchman Coulee near the Gorge Amphitheatre and Exit 143 on I-90—is one of the best spring and fall rock climbing destinations in Washington. Just over two hours from downtown Seattle, Vantage often offers sunny, warm, and dry climbing conditions when the mountains and crags west of the Cascades are still cool and wet. Its dramatic basalt columns, wide-open desert scenery, and huge selection of routes make it a fantastic escape for Seattle-area climbers looking to get outside and climb.

With hundreds of sport and traditional climbing routes across a wide range of difficulty levels, Frenchman Coulee is an excellent destination for both guided rock climbing and climbing instruction. The area is particularly well suited for learning outdoor lead climbing, sport climbing, traditional climbing, anchor building, rappelling, and other essential outdoor climbing skills. Whether you want to spend the day developing new skills, transitioning from the climbing gym to outdoor rock, or simply climbing as many great routes as possible, Vantage offers an incredibly fun Washington climbing experience in a beautiful high-desert setting.

1:1 $650

2:1 $375 per person

3:1 $250 per person

4:1 $200 per person


A person rock climbing on a steep, rocky cliff with a rope for safety, set against a blue sky with clouds.

Rock Climbing in Vantage and Frenchman’s Coulee