Rock Climbing in Seattle

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Rock Climbing

The mountains of Washington have cut the teeth (among other body parts) of many a world-class climber. So it's only natural that there are several places to get in some practice.

REI (222 Yale Ave. N, Downtown. 206/223-1944. www.rei.com). Every day around 200 people have a go at REI's Pinnacle, a 65-foot indoor climbing rock. Climbing hours are Monday 10-6, Wednesday-Saturday 10-9, and Sunday 10-5. The cost is $15 including equipment. Although reservations are a good idea, you can also schedule a climb in person. The wait can be anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours, but it's rare that you don't get to climb on the very day you sign up. Adult climbing classes ($25) are held on Tuesday nights at 6:15 PM and kids' climbing classes ($15) are held on Sunday at 5:30 PM.

Schurman Rock (Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave. SW, West Seattle. 206/684-7434. www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/environment/camplong.htm). The nation's first man-made climbing rock was designed in the 1930s by local climbing expert Clark Schurman. Generations of climbers have practiced here, from beginners to rescue teams to such legendary mountaineers as Jim Whittaker, the first American to conquer Mt. Everest. Don't expect something grandiose -- the rock is only 25 feet high. It's open for climbs Tuesday-Saturday 10-6. Rappelling classes for kids ($150 for 15 kids for two hours) are offered year-round at Camp Long, which is also the site of Seattle's only in-city campground, whose cabins rent for $35 a night.

Stone Gardens Rock Gym (2839 NW Market St., Ballard. 206/781-9828. www.stonegardens.com). Beyond the trying-it-out phase? Head here and take a stab at the bouldering routes and top-rope faces. Although there's plenty to challenge the advanced climber, the mellow vibe is a big plus for families, part-timers, and the aspiring novice-to-intermediate crowd. The cost is $15; renting a full equipment package of shoes, harness, and chalk bag costs $9. There are "Climbing 101" classes most weekday evenings for $45.

Vertical World (2123 W. Elmore St., Magnolia. 206/283-4497. www.verticalworld.com). It opened in 1987 and claims to be nation's first indoor climbing gym. There are 14,000 square feet of climbable surface as well as a bouldering area and weight-lifting equipment. The top-rope routes max out at 32 feet, which can seem pretty darn high when you scramble up under your own power. Tuesday and Thursday nights are busiest, though rainy weekend days also breed lines. The cost is $15 a day, not including equipment rental. They often offer weekend climbing trips in Washington and Oregon and can put together custom trips, too.