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Education & Classes

Summer Rock Program

Do you need to brush up on your belaying and rappelling skills?  Or are you confident in your skills and want to step up to some real climbing?  This year’s Summer Rock Program will be aimed at both beginning and intermediate climbers.  Please join us right here in Portland (Rocky Butte) on the third Wednesdays of May, June, July, and August.

We’ll meet on the third Wednesday of May, June, July and August at the top of Rocky Butte for our Summer Rock Program.  We’ll have top ropes set up for climbs in the 5.6 to 5.7 range.  There will also be stations set up to review rappelling, belaying, and fixed line travel on the sloping wall and possibly on the vertical wall.  You’ll meet other rock-minded folks and gain confidence in moving over some real stone. Belaying skills are required for the top rope climbing on the vertical wall and will be reviewed on the angled wall for those who would like to brush up their skills. 

(Note: The climbing will be on a vertical man made wall off the west side of the parking area – much more fun!  The belay, rappel, and fixed line travel will be set-up on the angled wall from 5-7pm only.  At 7pm we will close the review stations on the angled wall, and move the rappel station to the vertical wall.)

Please register by calling us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center. Class size is limited to around 15.  You do not need to be a Mazama member to take this class.  If you want more chances to practice actual climbing skills, then have a look at our winter program, Climb Night at local Portland rock gyms.

  • Cost: A mere $5.00! (beautiful sunsets included).  Payable at the event, cash or check only.
  • When: The third Wednesday evenings of May, June, July and August from 5:00 pm to dark (for 2008: May 21 June 18, July 16, and August 20) Start and departure times are casual - arrive and depart when you like.
  • Where: The very top of Rocky Butte, near NE Fremont and NE 82nd Ave, Portland.  Map to Rocky Butte
  • Gear: You need to bring a climbing harness, a few carabiners, a belay device, a climbing helmet (not a bike helmet), personal protection (sometimes called a personal leash) water, snacks, and shoes for climbing.  Rock shoes are recommended.  A limited number of helmets and harnesses will be available to borrow.  Optional gear: one double-length sling.  You can rent rock shoes at Climb Max (NE Sandy and 28th) and the Mountain Shop (NE 7th and Broadway)
  • To sign up: call us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center, 503-227-2345.