FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOULDER, Colo. (Nov. 6, 2026) — Access Fund is pleased to announce the purchase of the access parcel to the much-beloved Phun Rock in the Methow Valley, Washington. This purchase will ensure permanent access not just to Phun Rock but to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. 

“Phun Rock is a legacy project for us,” says Brian Tickle, Access Fund National Acquisition Director. “It’s an honor for us to build on that legacy by securing this access point and ensuring that climbing at Phun Rock remains a generational activity.”

Phun Rock offers over 160 routes for climbers of all abilities and is often the location for Washington climbers making their first outdoor leads. For this reason, Phun Rock has become an important destination for families and experienced climbers, alike.

“Phun Rock is a great location for climbers of all abilities. It’s the perfect crag to learn the ropes, be social, and simply enjoy the feeling of moving over rock,” says Methow Valley Climbers representative, C.B. Thomas.

While the crag itself is on U.S. Forest Service land, the only practical parking area and trail leading to the crag was located on private property owned by Outward Bound. Fortunately, their many years of generosity allowed the public a safe and practical means of accessing Phun Rock. But without permanent protection, future ownership changes could have jeopardized public access to one of the region's most cherished climbing resources.

“Closing this chapter of our Mazama campus was a hard decision, but protecting the public’s access to Phun Rock was never in question,” says Outward Bound USA CEO, Ginger Naylor. “We're proud to help ensure this beloved crag remains accessible to climbers for generations and very grateful for our partnership with Access Fund, and the U.S. Forest Service to complete this transition.”  

Beginning in May of 2024, Access Fund, Outward Bound, the U.S. Forest Service, and local climbers came together to explore the possibility of acquiring a piece of Outward Bound’s property in order to ensure continued access to Phun Rock while also allowing Outward Bound to sell the remaining property. Access Fund agreed to take a lead role by directly purchasing the parking area with the intent to eventually transfer it to the Forest Service for long term ownership.

"This has been an incredibly gratifying project to watch unfold, and is testament to the enthusiasm and tenacity of the many folks who have loved and visited Phun Rock over the years,” says U.S. Forest Service, District Recreation Staffer, Rosemary Seifried. “Preserving this parking area on public land will mean critical access to this site in perpetuity." 

Access Fund worked alongside Outward Bound, the Forest Service, and local climbers to manage an exceptionally complex real estate transaction involving multiple county approvals. In support, the public submitted 72 letters of support to county officials. At the same time, Access Fund launched a team of climber stewards in Washington and stationed them at Phun Rock to provide on-site visitor education, host community events, and monitor resources for impacts. 

A Community Effort Worth Supporting

Protecting climbing access requires more than passion for the outdoors—it requires community investment. Now, climbers everywhere have an opportunity to help ensure that the Phun Rock project reaches the finish line.

Support from the climbing community is critical to offset the overall cost of acquiring the parking area. Furthermore, it will ensure that Access Fund can fulfill its obligation to care for the parking area until we are able to transfer it to the Forest Service. To support this effort, donate at accessfund.org/phunrock.

Access Notes

The Methow Valley Climbers and the Forest Service ask climbers to camp only in designated campgrounds or approved dispersed camping areas and not along Lost River Road, at the Phun Rock parking lot, or in roadside pullouts below Goat Wall and Gate Creek. Visitors should use established toilets whenever possible or pack out waste using wag bags. By following these practices, climbers help protect the landscape and maintain positive relationships with the local Methow Valley community.

About Access Fund

Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. An accredited land trust, Access Fund has worked to successfully acquire and protect close to 100 crags around the United States including multiple projects in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. For more information, visit www.accessfund.org.