"Sagging Bumline offers a compelling 115-foot sport climb on the Fortress at Skaha, blending technical moves with a distinctive bulge. It’s a thoughtful route for climbers aiming to refine footwork and balance on a line that rewards persistence without overwhelming power."
Sagging Bumline delivers a focused, technical sport climb on the striking Plum Wall, part of the Fortress crag at Skaha, British Columbia. This single-pitch route extends 115 feet, threading a subtle bulge reminiscent of the nearby Plum Line but demands its own distinct sequence on the right side. Approach with a keen eye—this route can appear deceptively complex, especially for climbers unfamiliar with the area's movement style and rock features. The wall holds a tight rhythm of moves that challenge your balance and footwork more than brute strength.
The climbing unfolds along eight well-placed bolts, offering protection that feels generally solid but warrants caution where occasional runouts crop up, especially near the upper sections. A 1-inch cam can provide welcome peace of mind in those moments where bolts thin out or the line opens slightly beyond fixed hardware. While the full length is just over 35 meters, climbers have the option to rap or downclimb from a ledge, potentially changing the descent dynamics and gear needs.
The rock here shows its Okanagan heritage: compact, textured, and dry, but the bulge introduces a test of patience and precise foot placement. The Fortress area sits at an elevation that captures early morning sun, warming the face and drying out dew quickly in warmer seasons, making spring and early fall ideal windows to attempt this route. After the climb, the view stretches into the broader valleys and lakes of the region, heightening a sense of accomplishment tethered closely to the distinctive landscape.
Getting to Sagging Bumline demands a straightforward approach along trails weaving through open Douglas fir stands and rocky pitches. The walk to Plum Wall is well-worn but can feel brisk on warm days, offering opportunities to tune your mind before the climb. Ensure you bring enough water and steady footwear as the approach transitions between loose shale and sturdy packed dirt.
For climbers who appreciate concise, technical sport routes with a subtle crux, Sagging Bumline presents a worthy challenge on one of Skaha’s lesser-known faces. It’s an option for those looking to expand beyond more crowded classics in the area, requiring focus and composure rather than explosive power.
Practical suggestions: consider your rope length carefully to match the rappelling or downclimbing options. The route’s moderate grade of 5.9 feels honest; while not overly taxing, the movement quality keeps muscle fatigue at bay only if you commit precisely. You won’t find huge holds here—balance and technique carry the day. Whether sharpening sport sport skills or broadening your local route repertoire, Sagging Bumline is a solid pick offering that mix of style and challenge unique to British Columbia’s southern benchlands.
Though bolted, some sections on the route have subtle runouts; carrying a 1-inch cam is advised to tighten security, especially near the bulge. The descent options include rappelling or downclimbing a ledge, so plan gear and moves carefully to avoid unexpected exposure or loose holds on the way down.
Start early to catch morning sun and dry rock on the Plum Wall face.
Bring steady footwear for mixed approach terrain including loose shale and packed dirt.
A 1-inch cam can make a key difference in bridging runout sections safely.
Plan your descent ahead—either rappel from the top or downclimb from the ledge.
Eight bolts anchor this 115-foot single pitch, with the option to supplement protection with a 1-inch cam to guard against slight runouts, especially beyond the bulge. Consider rope length and rappel alternatives carefully, as the route measures approximately 35 meters without descent from the ledge.
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