Popular climbing area closed after column collapses

YAKIMA – A popular rock climbing area in south-central Washington state was closed after a basalt column collapsed.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officials say they closed Royal Columns climbing area after the column detached from the cliffs and plummeted to the valley floor on April 28.

Royal Columns is in the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in Yakima County, about 160 miles southeast of Seattle.

Greg Mackey, the area’s manager, says the monthlong closure will protect the public while the agency assesses the long-term use of the site.

The closure includes all lands within 150 feet of the volcanic cliffs known as the Royal Columns and the access trail across the Tieton River from the area’s headquarters off Highway 12.