★ Puppets On Strings 5.9

Leftmost route on the main wall. Crux coming off the treed ledge and around the bulge.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

For continued access to remain open, the most important thing is for all climbers to immediately stop using the trail that has been the approach for many years (we'll call this the "upper trail"). This trail is now closed and must not be used. Anyone using this trail puts all climbing at Darkside in serious jeopardy.

Instead, we've built a new approach trail (we'll call this the "lower trail"). To use the lower trail, start out from the parking lot as you would for the upper trail, but very quickly you'll see a sign that directs you to the right and down towards the river. Take this trail down wooden ladders to the river level and turn left. Proceed for about 100m and you'll see another sign directing you to a trail on your left, heading back up the hill into the forest. Take this second trail about half way up and you'll find a new trail (turn right) that will take you all the way to the crag. There are several signs along the way (see photos).

If you see any climber using the upper trail, please politely explain the situation and prompt them to use the lower trail from now on.

Thanks for being responsible community members. Our access to this beloved crag is in all of our hands.

Do not climb here for at least 24 hours after rain. The sandstone is porous and is very brittle when wet.

There are a few routes at this crag equipped with top anchor hooks. These are to enable safe and convenient lowering only, and should never be used to top rope through.