HomeClimbingWhite Streak

White Streak: A Crisp Trad Challenge in The Smoke Bluffs

Squamish, British Columbia Canada
trad
single pitch
crack climb
bouldery start
Smoke Bluffs
granite
moderate exposure
Length: ft
Type: Trad
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
White Streak
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"White Streak offers a focused trad climb with a punchy bouldery start leading into technical crack sequences. This route blends physicality and gear skill on a sunlit granite face, perfect for those honing their rack placements in Squamish’s acclaimed Smoke Bluffs."

White Streak: A Crisp Trad Challenge in The Smoke Bluffs

White Streak in The Smoke Bluffs offers climbers a straightforward yet engaging trad experience that rewards a blend of smarts and steady technique. Beginning with a physical, bouldery approach that demands solid footwork and body awareness, the route quickly transitions through a series of scattered cracks that test your gear-placement skills and movement precision. The rock’s textured surface feels alive beneath your hands, each hold inviting you upward as the line pushes through an exposed, vertical face that seems to catch the wind and whispers of the forest below.

Located within the scenic expanse of Squamish's famed Smoke Bluffs, White Streak shines as a practical choice for climbers seeking a single-pitch trad climb that balances challenge with accessibility. The route is short and sharp, making it ideal for a quick afternoon session or as part of a larger day exploring the Bluffs’ diverse offerings. Though the protection is sparse—three fixed bolts punctuate the climb with only optional placements for additional gear—it demands thoughtful placements on the discontinuous cracks that range across the face. This combination encourages climbers to sharpen their traditional rack skills while trusting the bolts as reliable safety anchors.

Setting out to climb White Streak, expect a crisp encounter with nature. The surrounding pines hum with life, their fragrance mingling with the rough grain of granite beneath your fingertips. The route’s elevation frames a sweeping view of Squamish, where the valley opens up in the distance and ocean breeze nudges the rock face. This exposure adds to the experience without overwhelming the moderate length of the pitch, creating a bright, vivid connection to the land with each move.

For practical planning, approach via well-marked trails in The Smoke Bluffs area, typically a 15-minute walk from the parking zone. The terrain is uneven but not demanding—good footwear will serve you well here, and it’s wise to start early to avoid the afternoon sun, as the route’s southwest-facing wall catches heat best in the late morning. Bring a standard trad rack of small to medium cams and nuts to cover the crack systems comfortably, supplementing the fixed bolts already in place. Hydration and a compact daypack are must-haves, as the climb’s short length invites a relaxed pace, but the surrounding wilderness invites lingering with a packed lunch or further exploration.

White Streak appeals as a classic trad challenge that emphasizes skill and mental focus over sheer length. Its combination of a physical start, technical gear play, and vivid setting crafts a climb that’s as much about attuning yourself to the rock’s voice as it is about reaching the top. Prepare well, move deliberately, and savor the quiet power of this Smoke Bluffs gem — it’s a climb that tests and rewards those ready to peek beyond the bolts and engage deeply with the granite face.

Climber Safety

The protection consists of three bolts with optional trad gear placements that are spaced; be sure to carry the appropriate cams and nuts and place carefully to mitigate long falls. The rock is solid but occasionally sharp, so precise footwork and hand placement are essential. Watch for loose debris near the base during approach and keep an eye on weather conditions as granite can become slick when damp.

Route Details

TypeTrad
Pitches1
Length feet

Local Tips

Approach from the well-posted parking lot within The Smoke Bluffs; expect a 15-minute hike over uneven terrain.

Start the climb early morning or late afternoon for cooler conditions and to avoid the direct midday sun on the southwest-facing wall.

Though short, the climb demands thoughtful gear placements; keep your trad rack compact but comprehensive.

Hydrate before your climb and consider packing a snack to enjoy the panoramic views post-ascent.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10+
Quality
Consensus:Rated at 5.10+, White Streak offers a route that feels true to its grade, presenting a crux involving a physical bouldery start that pushes climbers’ power and precision. The crack system demands competent gear and technique but avoids overly stiff or forced moves. Comparatively, it fits well among Squamish’s trad routes of similar grade where straightforward yet exacting climbing dominates.

Gear Requirements

The route features three fixed bolts supplemented by optional trad gear placements within discontinuous cracks. Bring a rack with small to medium cams and nuts to cover the gear opportunities confidently.

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Tags

trad
single pitch
crack climb
bouldery start
Smoke Bluffs
granite
moderate exposure