"Where's the Brown Hoot Wall offers three standout multipitch sport routes just a short trek from Exstew’s main climbing areas. This wall blends rugged northern wilderness with carefully updated belay stations, making it a rewarding stop for climbers seeking moderate challenges in British Columbia."
Where's the Brown Hoot Wall stands as a compelling destination for climbers venturing into Northern British Columbia's rugged wilderness. Located just a short distance from the well-known Exstew crags, this climbing area provides a distinct blend of adventure and thoughtful route planning. The wall boasts three exceptional sport multipitch routes, each starting from separate trailheads, making careful approach navigation essential to find the correct base for your chosen climb.
Approaching the wall, you will follow the main trail toward the Main Wall of Exstew until you arrive near a large boulder where the path forks. For those aiming to climb Where the Wild Things Are or Winona’s Big Brown Beaver, veer left. A short 100-meter traverse through the forested undergrowth leads you to a recently upgraded belay platform within a small cave. This new construction adds both safety and convenience to the start of these climbs, ensuring a stable and secure pitch-one stance.
If your goal is Hootenany, choose the right-hand trail at the fork instead, leading directly to the Main Wall crag. The first pitch of Hootenany is the furthest left climb there, notable for an adjacent fixed line that appears deteriorated - avoid relying on this fixed gear during your ascent.
At an elevation reaching approximately 673 feet, the Brown Hoot Wall offers substantial exposure and sustained climbing that rewards the effort with impressive vertical relief. Although the rock type isn’t specified in the data, the quality of routes and recent improvements demonstrate local commitment to preserving a safe and enjoyable climbing experience.
One standout is the classic multipitch sport route Where The Wild Things Are, graded 5.8 and rated highly at 4.5 stars. Its moderate grade makes it approachable but still engaging, perfect for climbers looking to spend a full day immersed in the alpine-like setting of Northern BC. The varied rock faces and changing light conditions as the day progresses add to the immersive sensation of being fully in nature’s pulse.
Though the area lacks extensive climbing diversity, the intentional focus on a few high-quality, multi-pitch lines fosters a concentrated and focused climbing experience. This is not a place to rush through routes but to carefully savor each pitch and the surrounding wilderness.
The weather in this region is variable with the prime climbing season spanning from late spring through early fall. Climbers should prepare for occasional precipitation and quickly shifting conditions typical of the northern coastal climate.
Descriptions emphasize the importance of correct route approach and caution around fixed gear, highlighting a practical awareness essential for safe adventure. While the wall does not boast an abundance of climbing types or a wide difficulty range, its offering is unique for those seeking purposeful longer ascents in a quiet corner of BC’s climbing landscape.
In short, Where's the Brown Hoot Wall invites climbers to experience a blend of nature’s quiet challenge and thoughtful route design within a classic multipitch framework. For any climber planning a trip to the Terrace area, this climb demands a place on the itinerary for its approachable difficulty, recent safety updates, and rugged northern wilderness vibe.
Avoid using the fixed line at the start of Hootenany’s first pitch as it is in poor condition. Approach trails can be confusing at the fork near the large boulder—ensure you select the correct path to your chosen route to prevent unintended detours and extra hiking under load.
Follow trail signs carefully at the split near the large boulder to avoid approach confusion.
Expect a constructed belay platform at the start of Where the Wild Things Are and Winona’s Big Brown Beaver.
Do not trust the fixed line next to the first pitch of Hootenany as it is unsafe.
Prepare for variable weather typical of Northern BC and plan to climb during the prime season from late spring to early fall.
Prioritize following the correct trail to the climb you plan to undertake, as starts are spread out. The belay stance on pitch one for Where the Wild Things Are and Winona's has been recently upgraded with a constructed platform inside a cave. Avoid using the deteriorated fixed line near Hootenany’s first pitch.
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