Lyn Topinka, Columbia River Images: Yeon Mountain, Katanai Rock, St. Peters Dome, and Rock of Ages, Oregon

In 1915 a joint committee from the Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Geographic Board, and the Mazamas, at the request of the United Highway Commission, suggested new names and renaming of places along the newly completed Columbia River Highway. This list was submitted to the United States Geographic Board for the final approval. "Katant Rock" was suggested for today's "Katanai Rock".

"... The committee recommends that the high mountain between Tumalt Creek and St. Peter's Dome be called Yeon Mountain, for the very obvious reason that Mr. Yeon has given so much time and money in the construction of the highway and should have his name attached to some prominent feature. The spire directly across Leveens Creek from St. Peter's Dome has been named Katant Rock, from an Indian word meaning "Place of rocks. ..." ... ["Morning Oregonian", April 1, 1915]

"...the very northern tip of Katanai. A rare place indeed that was first climbed by early 20th century photographers."

"Katanai Rock (1500') is located 1/4 mile east of St. Peter's Dome connected by a saddle on the northwest ridge of Yeon Mountain. The top of Katanai Rock is a series of tiered basalt cliff faces capped by a forested summit that requires exposed scrambling along narrow ledges and steep gullies. This intriguing summit is still ascended by Gorge adventurers each year."

Above, Katanai Rock on the left, St. Peter's Dome on the right.

Approaches

Olson describes two approaches to the rock for trained and prepared explorers and climbers. However, the first, from the old school building in Dodson, may now be private property and may not be a good place to park or depart from any more.

School Approach

"The original method of approach was from the schoolhouse property at the tiny community of Dodson. The vehicle parking space is limited but feasible. This approach is also a viable access point for other destinations in the Tumalt Creek area, too. From the old school, hike south on an approximate bearing of 180 [degrees] south, which should place you in line with the main couloir immediately east of Katanai Rock."

Exit 35 Approach

This approach starts in the same way as the approach to St. Peter's Dome, described on that page...

"Start this classic adventure at the same landslide swept creek as described in the St. Peter's Dome section. Park your vehicle on the roadside shoulder at freeway exit #35. As you aim through the forests you will cross two main stream systems. One stream drains off the slope west of St. Peter's Dome and the other stream drains off the Gorge rim immediately east of the dome. Use an approximate bearing of 120 [degrees], which should place you in line with the boulder field that descends down from the southeast saddle of Katanai Rock. This rock boulder field is located west of the main northern scarp of Yeon Mountain and immediately east of Katanai."

Links

100 Days 100 Miles 100 Climbs: Day 76 - Katanai Rock - Racing The Rain Again

http://blog.oregonlive.com/climbing/2011/12/100_days_100_miles_100_climbs_40.html

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the highway