Vantage climbing area gets a new toilet

A popular Washington climbing spot is getting a much-needed second toilet.

Since 2012, Frenchman Coulee, near Vantage, Washington has had one toilet despite the fact that on busy weekends more than a hundred people may camp nearby. Long lines would greet all but the earliest risers.

For decades prior to 2012 campers and climbers wandered into the desert to do their business.

The Washington Climbers Coalition raised money for the construction of the first toilet in 2012. Starting in 2017 they began raising money for a second toilet.

That toilet was completed this month officially opening on August 2, according to a Washington Climbers Coalition news release. The second toilet cost about $30,000. The land is owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.