"A modest 50-foot trad route in the heart of Funarama’s Nursery, perfect for wet days when the granite darkens and friction is reduced. This low-angle crack climb offers approachable moves with solid protection, ideal for newcomers or a laid-back day in Squamish’s famed Smoke Bluffs."
When the sky opens up over Squamish, and the usual sun-drenched granite takes a backseat to overcast gray, "Things To Do When It Rains" offers an inviting escape for trad climbers looking to stay active without battling slick surfaces. This short route sits within Funarama—an area affectionately known as The Nursery—offering a low-angle crack climb that rewards steady movement and a calm mindset amid damp conditions. The climb starts beside a solitary tree standing like a quiet guardian in the heart of the Nursery grove, grounding the route in a rugged but approachable setting.
At just 50 feet, the line carves a modest path up the slabby rock, where friction is friendly and techniques emphasize balance and solid footholds over brute force. The crack work is basic but satisfying — a perfect introduction or warm-up when rain limits your extended climbing options in Squamish’s imposing Smoke Bluffs. Protection is straightforward, featuring placements for a standard rack complemented by a reliable bolt anchor at the top, lending confidence on every move.
The terrain shields you slightly from the elements, with the overhanging branches of the nearby trees softening the rainfall, and the forest floor beneath you soaking up the water with a slight earthy scent that refreshes the senses. Ambient sounds shift in rainy weather—the drip of rain from leaves and occasional birdcalls replace the typical calls of scrambling climbers, turning the experience into a focused, intimate affair with the rock and weather. While the route’s grade, 5.4, may suggest ease, it demands attention to foot placement and steady breathing, making it ideal for new trad climbers honing their skills or seasoned climbers seeking a relaxed rhythm.
Access is friendly, with a short, gentle approach threading through the Nursery’s shaded forest, a welcome respite from Squamish’s busier sectors. Expect soft dirt trails tangled with roots and moss, requiring good shoes and caution when wet but manageable with steady footing. Daylight is your ally here; the route faces south, making morning and midday climbs comfortable even on cooler, cloudy days. Avoid late afternoons when shadows deepen, and dampness increases.
Be prepared with layered clothes to handle unpredictable showers and carry a water-resistant jacket. Footwear with reliable traction ensures sure footing on slick rocks, and keeping your rack light but complete helps avoid fumbling mid-route. Though brief, this route’s simplicity provides a tranquil challenge grounded by nature’s rhythms—perfect when dramatic weather shifts your plans but not your spirit.
For climbers who desire a mellow day, removed from the crush yet connected to the wild pulse of Squamish, "Things To Do When It Rains" delivers precisely that: a grounded, practical climb that quietly invites you to move confidently through damp air, rocky cracks, and steady focus, turning a wet day into a memorable venture.
Wet rock can reduce friction significantly; avoid climbing immediately after heavy rain and inspect protection placements carefully. The bolt anchor is solid but take care on the approach as trails become slippery with moss and roots.
Wear sticky rubber shoes with good grip to handle damp rock.
Check weather reports; the route stays climbable in light rain but is slippery when soaked.
Approach via the gentle trail through The Nursery—watch for roots when wet.
Climb during late mornings or early afternoons to benefit from southern exposure.
Bring a standard trad rack with cams and nuts sized for moderate cracks, plus quickdraws or runners for the bolt anchor at the top. A light rack suffices for this short, low-angle route.
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