Perched at roughly 5800 feet on Hogsback Mountain near Klamath Falls, Oregon, the Cougar Rock Boulders offer a unique bouldering destination that blends rugged high desert terrain with compact, technical climbing. The hike in alone sets the tone — just under two miles with nearly 1500 feet of elevation gain forces you to earn every move on the rock. This isn’t a casual stroll; it’s a committed approach through forested paths and steep switchbacks, threading through smaller boulders before arriving at the impressive 30-foot pile known as Cougar Rock. The rock itself forms into two primary boulders with a couple of small caves, creating a playground for climbers seeking short, challenging problems without the crowds.

The area demands respect — ecologically fragile high desert vegetation lines the trails, so staying on the path is crucial to preserving this special environment. At the first cave, you’ll find a Rubbermaid container stocked with wire brushes to keep the holds clean and free from chalk buildup or lichen, a small but vital resource for maintaining quality climbs. Brush what you need and leave the tools behind to help future visitors.

Cougar Rock hosts several classic climbs that draw climbers with varied skill levels. For those looking to push limits, problems like Dripping Sun (V3) and Hot Wax (V4) offer tested challenges rated at solid intermediate difficulty, each carrying a 3.5 to 4-star rating from the community. Braille Rail (V1), Cougar Scramble, and Satanic Solution (V2) round out a selection of problems that balance technique and power. These boulders provide a taste of technical climbing with no needless complication — everything here feels earned, right from the approach to the send.

Access is straightforward but requires awareness. The trailhead is located at Foothills Christian Fellowship, where free parking is available. From here, a steep, wide trail leads east, crossing the 5000 road before a fork points left toward the boulders. Marked discreetly by a small cairn, the approach trail gradually becomes more defined with several switchbacks guiding climbers past outcroppings and smaller rocks. While the trail is still gaining traffic, it’s important to respect private property boundaries — Hogsback Mountain is privately owned land but has been accessible to the climbing community for years with an informal agreement. Follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and don’t stray from designated paths.

The Cougar Rock experience is deeply tied to its setting — a high desert environment that offers both solitude and exposure. Climbers can expect weather patterns typical for the region, with the prime climbing window running through spring, summer, and early fall. The boulders sit mostly exposed, making morning and late afternoon sessions the most comfortable times to climb when the sun is lower and heat less intense.

Gear recommendations are simple: several crash pads to protect from varied landings across uneven high desert terrain, and wire brushes to maintain hold quality. The rock demands precise footwork and finger strength, so bring your best technique and patience for the approach trail. There’s no formal descent — climbers typically downclimb the boulders or walk off the approach trail.

Cougar Rock is an honest, raw bouldering spot where the climbing and landscape challenge you simultaneously. It offers an excellent opportunity to step off the beaten path, test your skills on moderate to challenging problems, and soak in expansive views on a trail that rewards persistence. Whether you’re chasing the classics like Braille Rail or seeking the steeper test of Hot Wax, this location reminds climbers that rewarding adventures often lie just beyond the well-worn trails.