"Be Happy offers a focused 60-foot crack climb on the striking right dihedral of Another Buttress. This moderate 5.6 trad route invites climbers to engage varied placements and steady hand jams in a quieter corner of Skaha’s Red Tail Group."
Rising sharply along the right side of the Another Buttress crag, Be Happy carves a straightforward line that invites climbers to test their crack skills on solid, varied terrain. The climb begins with a surprisingly wide crack that might make you hesitate, but it quickly becomes clear that the ledges here are your allies, providing stable rests before the crack tightens into perfect hands and tips for finger jams. As you move upward, the rock feels confident beneath your hands—clean, textured, and willing to hold your progress. The climb runs about 60 feet, just one pitch, ideal for a crisp morning or an afternoon session when the sun lights the wall just right.
Be Happy often flies under the radar, overlooked by many due to its modest grade of 5.6 and the wide start that looks tough until you get a feel for it. Yet it’s a rewarding route for those who want to escape the crowded main lines and enjoy pure crack climbing without the pressure of a steep grade. Built for steady, deliberate movement, it encourages smart gear placements and a thoughtful approach to protection, especially in the opening wide crack that challenges you to use cams of varying sizes strategically.
This climb rests within the Red Tail Group at Skaha, a region known for its clean lines and reliable rock. The exposure is manageable, with bolted anchors stationed safely at the top, so you can opt to top-rope it for practice or lead it for the full experience. The approach is short and accessible, threading through open terrain dotted with shrubs and occasional ponderosa pine, offering just enough nature’s soundtrack to enhance the quiet focus needed on a crack climb.
Protection requires more than a rote rack—big cams will find their home in the broad corner, while smaller nuts and cams slot into the thinner cracks snaking along the face. Plan to save a smaller piece for the final 15 feet, where the crack morphs and demands a slick last move before the anchor. While the grade is gentle, successful ascents hinge on controlled body positioning and solid crack technique rather than brute strength.
Although lightly frequented, Be Happy is an exceptional choice for climbers looking to sharpen their hand-jam skills in a low-traffic setting. It’s a climb with personality—inviting, unpretentious, and gratifying. Paired with the stunning open views across the Okanagan region and the warmth of British Columbia’s sun, this trad climb is a hidden joy for those ready to explore beyond the obvious lines.
While the rock quality is generally solid, some of the protection placements need careful evaluation—especially near the crack’s wide start. Avoid rushing placements in this section to prevent gear fallout. The descent involves lowering from fixed anchors; check the integrity of anchors before trusting them and watch for loose debris on the rappel path.
Start early to avoid the midday heat on exposed sections.
Carry a full rack of cams, especially #3 and above for the initial wide crack.
Bring tape gloves as the crack textures vary from smooth to hatchy.
Top-roping is practical here if you want to practice crack techniques safely.
The protection layout demands a balanced rack with large cams for the wide crack and smaller devices for narrow features along the face. Bolted anchors are fixed at the top, allowing for easy top-rope setup or a confident lead.
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