Rock Climb (For Real, Not In a Gym)

The Cascades of Washington, with their spectacular glaciers, prominent summits, and moderate elevation, make the best mountain training ground in the contiguous U.S., and Bellevue is the perfect home base for a vast outdoor campus that includes many popular rock-climbing destinations.

Join our Bellevue-based partner REI in providing world-class outdoor visitor experiences. All rock-climbing experiences include guide-led instruction, gear provided by REI, belay device, carabiners, climbing harness, climbing helmet, climbing shoes, the group first aid kit.
 

Introduction to Outdoor Rock-Climbing Class

Offered Wednesdays & Saturdays learn the fundamentals of outdoor rock climbing in this hands-on experience. We'll focus on building the skills you need to continue your climbing journey, including proper belay techniques to keep your fellow climbers protected while they're off the ground. We'll cover necessary knots and give you the chance to practice basic outdoor climbing techniques, with some personalized instruction along the way. REI will provide all of the necessary climbing equipment for this great first-time experience.

Participants: Age 14 and up
Fitness Level: Easy Active
Time: Half-day
Location: Olallie State Park 12-miles east of Bellevue

Women's Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Offered Wednesdays and Saturdays learn the fundamentals of outdoor rock climbing in this hands-on experience. We'll focus on building the skills you need to continue your climbing journey, including proper belay techniques to keep your fellow women climbers protected while they're off the ground. We'll cover necessary knots and give you the chance to practice basic outdoor climbing techniques, with some personalized instruction along the way. REI will provide all of the necessary climbing equipment for this great first-time experience.

Participants: Age 14 and up
Fitness Level: Easy Active
Time: Half-day
Location: Olallie State Park 12-miles east of Bellevue

Rock Climbing Anchors Class - Natural & Fixed Protection - Level 1

Learn the basics of building climbing anchor systems. We will cover climbing gear, knots, evaluation and use of natural and fixed protection, and equalizing the forces on the anchor. Traditional climbing gear use is covered in Artificial Climbing Anchors. This is a hands-on program where you will build climbing anchors. Although this outing will focus on the construction and assessment of anchors and not on climbing movement, it is designed for participants with climbing and belaying experience.

Participants: Age 13 and up
Fitness Level: Easy Active
Time: Half-day
Location: Lake Sammamish State Park in east Bellevue

Also, you may consider The Washington State-based American Alpine Institute for a multitude of rock-climbing programs from day-long learn to climb for beginners to day-long tours in various Washington locations and well as more intensive multi-day climbing programs and tours.