Outdoor Program
Portland Rock Gym has been providing the Pacific Northwest with the best indoor climbing instruction since 1988. That training is also available outside, bringing together unparalleled education and a memorable adventure.
PRG Guides offers clients full or half day adventures to beautiful local climbing destinations around Portland and the Columbia River Gorge area.
Anchor Building
In our Anchor Building class, we teach climbers the fundamentals of building reliable anchors using traditional protection. Participants will learn anchor selection, gear placement, equalization, redundancy, and efficient anchor construction.
Through hands-on practice, students will build and evaluate anchors while considering rock quality, gear placements, and the use of natural features. This class is designed to help climbers develop the skills needed to build top-rope and multi-pitch anchors outside.
Prerequisites
Some prior outdoor climbing experience is recommended. Participants should know how to top-rope belay and be familiar with figure-eight and overhand knots.
Gym to Crag
Ready to take your climbing beyond the gym? Gym to Crag is an introductory outdoor climbing course designed to help indoor climbers transition safely and confidently to real rock.
Our guides will provide a supportive environment for you to learn how to navigate outdoor climbing by setting up various climbs, belaying, and sharing helpful tips and tricks along the way.
Sport Anchor Cleaning
Ready to transition from the gym to outdoor sport climbing with greater confidence? This class teaches the essential skills needed to safely clean fixed sport climbing anchors after completing a route.
Participants will learn how to evaluate fixed anchors, secure themselves at the anchor, thread and clean anchors for lowering or rappelling, communicate with their partner, and recognize common hazards.
Prerequisites
Participants must be able to confidently lead belay and top-rope belay. Prior climbing experience and basic knowledge of sport climbing equipment and knots are required.
About Broughton Bluff
Broughton Bluff, located within Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site, is a historic basalt climbing area offering classic columnar rock, convenient parking, short approaches, and nearby restrooms. Located approximately 30 minutes from Portland, it is an outstanding location for outdoor climbing instruction and technical skill development.
Age Requirements
Anchor Building and Sport Anchor Cleaning are for ages 14 and older. Gym to Crag is recommended for ages 9 and older. Participants under age 16 must have an adult chaperone registered as a participant or present for the entire trip.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
All bookings must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
- 72+ hours in advance: Cancel for a full refund or reschedule at no cost.
- 48–72 hours in advance: Cancel for full credit, but no refund, or reschedule at no cost.
- Less than 48 hours in advance: Cancellations and refunds are not available. Contact the gym regarding extenuating circumstances.
Portland Rock Gym Guides is committed to maintaining the most current training and certification industry standards of the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).
Outdoor Class Calendar
This institution is an equal opportunity provider which operates under a special uses permit with the Mt. Hood National Forest, USDA, Forest Service.
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