DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF STATE PARKS
Washington State Park
Rappelling and Rock Climbing Permit Requirements
- Rappelling and rock climbing are permitted only in the designated bluff area along the Big River off Dug Out Road north of Washington State Park Hardwoods Natural Area and the section of trail where Opossum Track and Rockwood trails overlap.
- Rappelling and rock climbing are allowed by permit. This permit must be in your possession while rappelling or rock climbing and is valid until sunset on the date the permit is issued for.
- No more than 15 permits will be issued for any given date.
- Solo rappelling and rock climbing are prohibited at all times.
- Pitons, bolts, and/or any other protection or anchoring devices that may damage or disfigure park resources are prohibited.
- Solid, immovable rock faces or two healthy trees at least 6 inches in diameter are the minimum requirements for anchor points.
- Helmets with chin straps must be worn at all times while rappelling or rock climbing, and when within 20 feet of the cliff base.
- Unsupervised equipment such as hanging ropes is not permitted and is subject to confiscation.
- Failure to abide by permit requirements will result in the loss of rappelling and rock climbing privileges. By typing my name below, I acknowledge that I have read the above and agree to abide by the above rules, and by any laws or regulations that apply to this activity at a Missouri state park. I understand that failure to abide by permit requirements will result in the loss of rappelling and rock climbing privileges and may result in eviction from the park.
All persons 18 years of age or older must read and sign this permit in order to rappel or rock climb in Washington State Park. Any person under the age of 18 must have the signature of his or her parent or legal guardian.
I, (person named below), am fully aware of all requirements of this permit and will comply with the requirements completely. I am fully aware that rappelling and rock climbing can result in serious injury or death, and I undertake this activity at my own risk. I assume full responsibility and full liability for acquainting myself with all potential dangers, and I agree to abide by all safety rules and standards for rappelling and rock climbing activities. Consequently, I do hereby, for myself, my heirs, estate, survivors or assigns, forever release the State of Missouri, its agencies and all of its employees of any responsibility or any liability as a result of my activities associated with rappelling or rock climbing. I further promise to bind myself, my heirs, estate, survivors or assigns, to indemnify the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for any rewards resulting from any lawsuits filed as a result of these activities. The entire amount rewarded plus reimbursement for all cost that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources may incur from such lawsuits will be included in the indemnification.
Parents and legal guardians signing for minors agree to repay to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources any judgment obtained by the minor, plus reimbursement for all costs that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources may incur from the lawsuit.