Rock Climbing in Seattle, WA

Seattle was recently voted one of the most health conscious cities in America. But when you live in a city where it rains fairly regularly 9 months out of the year, it can be hard to want to exercise. Who wants to slave away on a treadmill, like a hamster? In an effort to make indoor exercise a little more fun and mentally stimulating, indoor rock climbing gyms have sprung up around the city. They offer safe, state of the art equipment, and training for beginners and advanced climbers. This is a great way to stay in shape, whether you are unable to jog outside because of the weather, or you're trying to keep your upper body strength up for the summer climbing season. Try any one of these gyms. And when you're ready, sign yourself up for an outdoor class, and experiencing the thrill of climbing in the great Pacific Northwest!

\R.E.I- downtown Seattle, at Eastlake and Pine, 98101
The flagship REI store is located just on the outskirts of downtown Seattle, and is home to "The Pinnacle," a world class indoor rock climbing wall. All classes are taught by certified REI climbing experts, whose goal is to give novices an introduction to basic procedures, terminology, safety methods, and equipment use. You will learn knot tying, foot positioning, and lowering techniques. Because rock climbing depends so much on different muscle groups, different classes are tailored to men, women, and kids. Once you have established a comfort level with climbing, you can take more advanced classes, such as transition to Outdoors, and the summit series. Advanced classes will teach you about lead climbing, clipping and quick draws, rope management, and what to do in the case of a fall. REI takes safety very seriously, so introductory courses must be completed in order to take advanced classes. For REI members, classes range from $25-$40 per class. The Kids class is $15, and provides a fun and safe environment for kids ages 8-14 to learn about technique, equipment, and precautions. All classes are prepaid, and you can register up to one year in advance. The Pinnacle is closed to the public during the courses. Courses can be repeated if you or your instructor feels that more practice is in your best interest. Call the store at (206)223-1944 to reserve your spot, or to get more information.

Stone Gardens: The Climber's Gym 2839 NW Market St, Seattle, WA, 98107
Stone Gardens is Seattle's newest climbing gym, and is rumored to have the best bouldering training out of all Northwest indoor gyms. They offer a variety of classes for all levels, and their beginner's "climbing 101" class is highly recommended as a good start to building a basic climbing foundation. Kids will enjoy the Kids Climb or the Pro Belay classes, which offer safe and fun teaching for young and aspiring climbers. There is also a junior program for youths that want to get more seriously involved in the sport. Serious Boulderers will be able to test their skills on boulder problems ranging from V-0 to V-12. There is a 65-foot lead roof, as well as a 4-foot tall outdoor wall. Weight equipment is also available to get those muscles prepped. Call for more information, or to reserve a spot in upcoming classes: (206)781-9828.

Mountain Madness: Introduction to Rock Climbing
This class takes all the skill that you've learned from indoor climbing, and pus them to the test in an intermediate class outdoors. The class is designed to be mentally and physically challenging, but not beyond anyone who possesses the bare minimum: a sense of adventure. This is good for those making the transition to the outdoors for the first time, as well as those wishing to rehash skills neglected in the off season. Classes are located in Leavenworth, WA, Mount Erie, and Washington Pass. Participants will learn balancing skills, equipment usage, anchors and knot tying, rappelling and lowering. The staff is both expert and encouraging. All classes are two days long, with overnight camping either in your car, or a local hotel. You must provide some of your own equipment, including rock shoes, harness, and safety helmet, as well as clothing, sunglasses, and snacks. Classes begin at $225/person. Classes near Leavenworth are designed for beginners, and you'll find no location more beautiful to begin your experience with outdoor climbing- the location near the Cascades is breathtaking. Applications must be downloaded from the Mountain Madness website.