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Homer Bluffs Ice Climbing - Climb #3

Rating: WI2 to WI3+
Length: varies

Lat: 59º 38.631' North
Long: 151º 35.687' West

Access: When driving to Homer, turn right off the Sterling Highway onto Saltwater Drive, which is approximately 2 miles towards Homer from the Baycrest Scenic View pullout.  Drive to the end of Saltwater Drive and park.  From the parking area walk approximately half the road distance back towards the Sterling Highway then turn right and hike through the alders until you come to the top of the bluff.  A large tree (an anchor may exist) can be found above the rappel route.  Depending on conditions, you may need to put crampons on at the top of the bluff.  Two 50m ropes will allow you to rappel a safe distance down.  Following the rappel you may then need to walk a bit further to the beach.  From the beach walk north past Old Age to the next major ice formations located in a large cirque.  As many 10 different flows of ice can form from these mostly moderate angle bluffs. 

Route: Multiple routes exist, but located in the left of this bowl area is a mult-tier'd route that will allow climbing from the beach (almost) up to the top of the bluffs.  Most other routes end prior to the top of the bluffs. 

Anchor: Alders exist at the top of the bluff for rappel; however, be prepared to make your own anchor should you top out on a route that ends short of the top.

 

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above: A drainage with multiple climbs

photo: Burrell Lindell Nickeson

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