Rock climbing in the summer can be brutal. The sun turns any rock face into a giant skillet, frying whoever decides to climb it. So to avoid the summer heat, our climbing crew chose to hit up Banks Lake in Washington.

This place is a climber’s paradise. Located near the Grand Coulee Dam, Banks Lake offers a trove of climbable rock, including bolted sport routes on Highway Rock and tons of free water soloing along the lake itself.

With a handful of climbing friends, a rented pontoon boat and a campsite just off Highway 155, we spent two days exploring the cliffs on the water’s edge. Our friend Cynthia took a ton of rad photos throughout the weekend, so without further adieu, here’s a collection of rockin’ photos (sorry, that was a super lame pun).

If you’re looking for a perfect weekend away and you love to climb, Banks Lake is your best bet. This climbing pilgrimage has become a tradition for our climbing crew.

Have you ever been to Banks Lake or know of other places to deep water solo in the Inland Northwest? Let us know in the comments below!