Reaching Alan Watts on his cellphone last Friday morning found him about to hike Tumalo Mountain, something he has done 53 times this summer. A native of Madras, Watts is best known for promoting rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, bringing its almost 1,800 climbing routes to the international stage. “My entire family, especially […]
Smith rock
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On the Rocks
Climbing opportunities for every skill level
Think rock climbing in Central Oregon and the mind naturally gravitates to Smith Rock State Park, termed the birthplace of American sport climbing, and its thousands of bolted routes. But, for those less experienced climbers seeking the thrill of scaling walls, Bend Endurance Academy’s Climbing Program Director Mike Rougeux, a 15-year climbing veteran, has some […]
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North Cascades Gains a New Route
Local climbing guide helps create 11 pitches of The Tiger
What’s now deemed as the second hardest technical climb in the North Cascades was pioneered this past August by a trio of climbers including Bend local and climbing guide, Max Tepfer. The Tiger—11 pitches with six leads of 5.10+ and harder—was created by Tepfer, Blake Herrington and Colin Moorhead on 1,000 feet of granite near […]
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Go Here 10/16-10/22
On Belay!
Bend’s location abutting the state’s prime climbing areas and the country’s mecca for sport climbing, Smith Rock, makes this time of year—with cooler daytime temps and autumn sun—ideal for getting out on the rock. Climbers may still be looking for shade but it’s far cry from the mid-summer heat. Smith Rock Climbing School Since 1983, […]
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High Times at Smith
It’s been a busy climbing season, filled with notable ascents
Like Crimea’s Wikipedia page, Smith Rock State Park has seen plenty of action this season. During fall, it was the French who once again laid siege to the park (the French established a number of Smith’s hardest routes, including, in 1986, America’s first 5.14a, To Bolt or Not to Be). Gerome Pouvreau completed a number […]
