Backscratcher offers a brief but potent slice of traditional climbing tucked into the northern reaches of British Columbia’s Copper Mountain area. This single-pitch route demands focus and precision, starting beneath a tree that feels almost playful—a living warning to stay balanced or risk a sharp scratch from its reaching branches. As you engage the broken fingers-to-hands crack, the rock invites you upward with a sweeping move leftward into a shallow corner. The sequence continues past a delicate section of splitter fingers that test your touch and resolve, before opening onto a ledge that offers a moment to regroup.

Above, a shorter crack beckons with easier moves, but the presence of unstable large blocks near the anchor reminds you to tread carefully and rely on the fixed hangers provided, rather than tempting fate with uncertain holds. The quality of the granite and the quiet wilderness around this route provide a rugged backdrop, with distant forests and mountain air lending both challenge and calm.

For climbers looking for a concise, focused trad climb with classic crack climbing demands, Backscratcher fits the bill. The approach to this route is straightforward, threading through Copper Mountain’s northern sector to reach the Dusk Wall’s less-frequented northern stretch. Preparation is key: bring protection up to 4 inches but know that placements around 3 inches suffice, and plan your start to avoid the glare of mid-day sun, as the wall’s northern aspect favors early or late climbs for cooler conditions.

Expect a swift, fulfilling push that leaves you with a sense of quiet accomplishment. While only a single pitch and 60 feet in length, the route tests hand jams and crack technique in a setting that rewards care and respect for the natural environment. From footwear choices to managing gear placements, a clean and confident style will carry you to the top safely and efficiently. Though the exposure is modest, the risk from loose blocks near the anchor means focus through the finish; avoid unnecessary contact and lean into the fixed gear provided. With minimal traffic and clear protection needs, Backscratcher stands as a rewarding trad option that balances adventure and accessibility in the remote corners of Northern BC’s alpine climbing scene.