Trip Report

Despite a fair amount of pre trip interest I only had two companions for my day of sport climbing above the Umpqua Valley west of Roseburg. We met on a fine late summer morning, with bright blue skies and the promise of moderate temperatures, and made the drive south to an area of sandstone outcroppings on Reston Ridge known to local rock climbers as “The Callahans.”

The Callahans are located on timber land owned by the Weyerhaeuser Corp. and have been developed as a sport climbing area with their permission. Local climbers have built the access trails and done signs encouraging good stewardship by users to help keep this enjoyable resource available. A short but steep hike from the parking area brings you up through the woods and to the base of multiple sandstone pillars with many bolted sport climbs with a wide degree of difficulty. The woods provide good shade at the base of the rocks, though the sun can be quite warm as you climb above the trees. It is a good idea to know what poison oak looks like if you're going to be exploring this area!

Our group of three climbed routes with difficulty ratings from 5.6 to 5.10. We each took our turns on the “sharp end,” on belay and as designated climbing critic. It was a day of good companionship, challenge on the rock and the pleasure of a beautiful woodlands and wide views across the valley.

And just for good measure we stopped for double dips of ice cream at Rice Hill on the way home! I think I can safely say, “A good time was has by all.”

Climbers were: Sue Carey, Wayne Deeter and Doug Nelson, leader.