"Origami offers an intense 100-foot sport climb on The Paper Wall that blends technical jamming and powerful compression moves. This route invites climbers ready for a physical and mental challenge in Ontario’s rugged wilderness."
Origami stands as a striking testpiece etched into the sheer face of The Paper Wall, at Kama Lookout in Ontario. This 100-foot single-pitch route demands precision and power, blending technical jamming with dynamic compression moves that challenge both mind and body. As the rock’s surface unfolds beneath your fingers, it tells a story of relentless effort—scrubbing and bolting that transformed a raw line into a fiercely rewarding climb.
The approach sets the tone, offering a glimpse of the surrounding wilderness with glimpses of the lake shimmering below. On the ascent, the climb’s initial section carves through broken ledges to reach the first two bolts, where you can choose a left corner with hand jams or push right, both paths leading to a substantial rest hold at about half height. This moment of pause is crucial: it prepares you for the physical crux that follows.
Brace against the rock and engage your feet on the largest holds you can find, carefully working both edges of the wall through a demanding sequence of compression moves. A precise reach to that coveted 'money slot' for the crux clip tests your control and strength. After securing that clip, the route continues with equally challenging but slightly less intense moves before you settle into a smaller rest. Here, patience and breathing space become your allies as you read your next moves—up and right—to a small finger pocket and an undercling, finishing with a clipping hold that feels just solid enough to carry you back to safety after the send.
Origami offers more than physical challenge; it brings a sensory connection to the lake’s shifting weather and the forested heights surrounding the wall. The nearby water teases with its presence, while wind and rain can arrive unexpectedly, a reminder that the wilderness is always an active partner in your climb. The route's history reveals a spirit of perseverance—especially when the first ascent almost slipped away amid a dramatic fall and the chill of an approaching drizzle.
For any climber eager to test their sport climbing skills in Ontario, Origami delivers a spirited day of movement and mental focus paired with sweeping views and the satisfying toil of one-pitch sport climbing at its best.
Plan your day carefully: the wall’s west-facing angle means afternoons can bring sun with fading shadow, but weather can shift rapidly. Bring sturdy shoes with good edging sensitivity, plenty of chalk for those hand jams, and prepare with a warm-up that gets you comfortable on crimps and compression holds. Hydrate thoroughly before you start and bring extra water, especially on warmer days. The descent is straightforward but should be approached with care, keeping an eye on the slickness that a light rain imparts on the rock. One rappel down, and you’re back to base camp reflecting on a climb that demands respect and rewards boldness.
Be cautious on the approach and descent when wet—the rock can become slick quickly under light rain or damp conditions. The crux moves require confident clipping; a fall near the clipping jug can catch you out if unprepared. Carry extra slings or backup gear if you prefer added security.
Start early to avoid afternoon rain and shadows on the west-facing wall.
Wear shoes with good edging sensitivity to handle small footholds.
Chalk up generously to maintain grip on tricky compression and hand jam sections.
Double-check your rappel gear—rock can become slippery quickly in drizzle.
Twelve quickdraws take you cleanly from the ground to the anchor bolts. The fixed bolts are well placed, but precise clipping and body positioning are required, especially in the crux compression section.
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