Here’s a list of popular Portland-area climbing events that happen annually or frequently, offering climbers opportunities to compete, learn, and connect with the local community:
1. Portland Boulder Rally
• Location: The Circuit Bouldering Gym (varies by year)
• Date: Annually in the fall (October)
• Description: One of the largest single-day bouldering competitions in the country, attracting climbers from all skill levels, including professional athletes. The event features multiple divisions, a finals round, and is family-friendly. It’s an excellent opportunity to watch or participate in competitive climbing.
• Best For: Climbers looking for competitive excitement or to connect with the community.
2. Mazama Climbing Education Program (CEP) Events
• Location: Mazama Mountaineering Center
• Date: Year-round
• Description: The Mazamas, a Portland-based nonprofit, offer a variety of educational climbing events, including beginner classes, climbing clinics, skill-building workshops, and outings in both gym and outdoor settings. They also host social events, talks, and film screenings related to climbing and mountaineering.
• Best For: All skill levels, particularly those interested in skill development, mountaineering, and networking.
3. She Moves Mountains Women’s Climbing Clinics
• Location: Various gyms and outdoor areas near Portland (including Smith Rock)
• Date: Seasonal (spring through fall)
• Description: These women-only clinics are led by female instructors and are aimed at empowering women in climbing. Clinics range from beginner skills to advanced techniques, with events held both indoors and outdoors. This includes weekend retreats and outdoor instruction sessions.
• Best For: Women climbers seeking skill-building in a supportive, women-only environment.
4. REEL Rock Film Tour
• Location: Hosted at various gyms, theaters, and Mazama Mountaineering Center
• Date: Annually in the spring
• Description: The REEL Rock Film Tour showcases climbing films featuring notable climbers, locations, and epic ascents. It’s a fantastic way to bring the climbing community together to celebrate the sport and watch inspiring stories on the big screen.
• Best For: Climbing enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone who enjoys outdoor sports films.
5. Youth Climbing Competitions (USA Climbing Events)
• Location: Various Portland-area gyms (Movement, Portland Rock Gym, and others)
• Date: Seasonal, typically fall and winter
• Description: USA Climbing hosts a series of competitions throughout the year, including regional youth competitions in bouldering, sport, and speed climbing. These events are great for young climbers to experience competition and connect with peers.
• Best For: Youth climbers and families.
6. Black Rock Bouldering Series
• Location: The Circuit Bouldering Gym (all locations)
• Date: Seasonal, often during winter
• Description: A competition series hosted by The Circuit, with divisions for all skill levels. This series encourages climbers to improve skills and engage in friendly competition. It’s a great option for anyone looking to try competition climbing for the first time.
• Best For: Bouldering enthusiasts of all skill levels.
7. Adaptive Climbing Clinics
• Location: Movement and other local gyms
• Date: Monthly or bi-monthly
• Description: Hosted by local gyms in partnership with adaptive sports organizations, these clinics provide training and support for individuals with disabilities who want to experience climbing. They offer equipment and instruction tailored to adaptive needs.
• Best For: Adaptive climbers and allies in the community interested in inclusion and accessibility in climbing.
8. Ladies Climbing Coalition Meetups
• Location: Rotates between gyms (often The Circuit, Movement, or Portland Rock Gym)
• Date: Monthly
• Description: The Ladies Climbing Coalition hosts regular meetups for women and gender-expansive climbers. These events are great for building friendships, finding climbing partners, and sharing tips in an inclusive and supportive environment.
• Best For: Women and gender-expansive climbers looking for community and mentorship.
9. Climb for Clean Air (Fundraiser)
• Location: Various gyms for training, with summit climbs of Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, or Mt. Adams
• Date: Training and fundraising happen throughout spring and summer
• Description: Climb for Clean Air is an annual fundraiser and training program run by the American Lung Association. Participants raise funds for lung health and environmental causes while training for summit climbs in the Pacific Northwest.
• Best For: Climbers interested in mountaineering for a cause, with a focus on fundraising and fitness.
These events offer a diverse range of experiences for climbers, from competitions and fundraisers to film screenings and social gatherings, supporting both casual climbers and competitive athletes alike. Portland’s vibrant climbing community is well-represented through these events, making it easy to get involved, learn, and find climbing partners