First Time
- Portland Location

New to the sport of rock climbing? Welcome to Portland Rock Gym! Our staff will show you around and explain some climbing basics to help get you started.

If you’re looking to have a fun time under staff supervision, we recommend joining us for our First Ascent experience. If you’ve been thinking about getting into rock climbing as a hobby and you’re ready to dive in with both feet, we recommend signing up for our Intro to Climbing class. Anyone can drop in during our regular business hours to pick up a day pass and rental gear.

A current liability waiver is required for every person who enters the gym. You can fill one out here.

In the drier months, Portland Rock Gym operates a guide service. Our Gym to Crag program is designed to make climbing outside accessible!

Some Classes To Get You Started

First Ascents

Get a feel for what climbing is like with up to two hours of top–rope climbing and bouldering. No experience necessary. Perfect for first-timers who just want to check it out. Our instructor takes care of the rope handling, and safety aspects of your first climbing experience. Sign up individually or with a group of your friends. Rental climbing shoes and harnesses included.

Price: $46 per person

For participants 12 years of age or older. Advance reservation required.

Intro To Climbing

Learn the basics of climbing and rope–handling. This includes tying a figure–eight knot, climbing commands, and belaying. This one-time, 2 hour introductory class will equip you with the necessary skills to belay a climber on top–rope. Class includes a one–week membership with rentals!

Price: $74 per person, $37 for members

For participants 14 years of age or older. Advance reservation required.

Gym To Crag

FAQ

What can my child do at PRG?

Climbers at Portland Rock Gym are recommended to be at least 9 years of age. Children 13 and younger must be closely supervised by an experienced spotter at all times to use the bouldering gym or a have certified belayer to rope climb. To gain the experience needed, we recommend adults take our Intro to Climbing class. There are plenty of opportunities for youth (ages 9 and up) to start climbing at Portland Rock Gym through our programs. Check out Kids Climb, our Parties, Camps, Afterschool Clubs, and our Competition Team!

What is belaying?

Can the staff belay for me?

I know how to belay, how do I find a partner?

What do I need to do to belay in the gym?

In order to belay in the gym, you need to have prior belay experience and pass our belay test. You have to demonstrate your ability to belay on an assisted braking belay device, such as a Mammut Smart or Petzl Grigri, tie a “rewoven figure 8” knot, check your partner before a climb and perform the belay commands. There is no cost for a belay test and we can usually do the belay test on a drop-in basis.

What do I need to do to lead climb and belay in the gym?

If you have experience lead climbing and belaying you can usually walk in the gym and take our lead test. Lead belayers must use an assisted braking belay device such as a Mammut Smart or Petzl Grigri. The lead test is on a 5.9 and you will need a 40m dynamic rope and a partner to test with. Part of the test is catching a lead fall and taking a lead fall. Be prepared to answer questions about: