Northern Harbor Boulders sits on the ragged edge of Fair Island’s northern coast, facing the raw pulse of the North Atlantic. Here, the sea meets wind-blasted stone, and adventure beckons to those craving both solitude and granite challenges. The approach is an adventure in itself—the trail is in the early stages of development and, as of now, is still awaiting proper flagging. This adds a sense of exploration right from the start, letting climbers piece together their own access as they work north along the island, tracking the coast eastward. The shoreline is a mix of bold slabs and craggy outcrops, with some sections requiring careful movement above lapping tide and crashing spray; the established trail cleverly sidesteps the most treacherous scrambling over water. A word of caution: this zone is not for the unwary. The rock, a tough and grippy large-grained granite laced with hardspark quartz, may invite confident movement, but the shoreline can become slick in seconds, particularly after rain or heavy mist, and any north wind transforms the place into a punishing gauntlet.

But when conditions align — when a southern wind pushes warmth and relative calm across the coast — the boulders here offer their best. The topography is modest, with problems rising nearly 35 feet above the sea, promising both lowball traverses and bold moves high above the icy shoreline. It’s a true granite experience: knobby holds, unyielding stone, and the constant soundtrack of waves and seabirds.

What sets Northern Harbor apart isn’t just the bouldering itself, but the immersive sense of wild exposure. This is no roadside circuit; every ascent is earned with effort and vigilance, and every move is amplified by the backdrop of open ocean. Whether working familiar problems or brushing off a fresh project, climbers here trade crowds and polish for self-reliance and authentic adventure.

If you’re looking for classic favorites to start your session, try 'DAB Police' (V5), praised for both its challenge and flow, or 'Rubbed Raw' (V4), which serves as a gritty reminder of what makes sea-washed granite special. Each problem here blends power, technique, and terrain in a way that tests not just climbing skill, but judgment and adaptability.

Approaches may soon become clearer as trailwork progresses, but for now, treat every outing as an exploratory mission — bring a map, check the wind forecast, and keep your movements deliberate along the sometimes slippery boulders. A sense of responsibility is part of the Northern Harbor ethos: leave no trace, respect the fragile coastal ecosystem, and remember that conditions can shift fast. Local wisdom holds true here: a day of southern breezes and clear skies can be paradise; a sudden northern front brings genuine hardship.

Despite its wild character, this area welcomes those who come prepared with stout shoes, enough pads for both comfort and peace of mind, and a commitment to personal safety. There are no established anchors here and no easy bailouts — only the raw exchange between climber and coast. The best days string together moments of hard physical effort and quiet reflection, with the Atlantic stretching to the horizon and the salt air sharpening every breath.

Whether you’re hunting grades or simply seeking a new edge to your climbing, Northern Harbor Boulders offers a trip worth making: pure, powerful granite, unscripted adventure, and the kind of memorable encounters that only wild places can provide.