Fall is here.
It means steady rains will arrive soon, making us less likely to head outdoors for fun.
Unless you’re a snow-sports enthusiast — and enjoy venturing up icy mountain passes with chains on your wheels — you have to get a bit more creative when it comes to recreation.
One often-overlooked option is indoor climbing.
Though climbing inside can help you practice for future adventures in the mountains, in Western Washington a variety of indoor climbing venues have made it a sport all its own.
Even if you don’t care to take up climbing yourself, indoor climbing walls can be great excursions for friends and family who are visiting for the holidays and want to try something new.
Here’s a look at some of our local resources to give you a leg up.
Climbers at all venues must sign release-of-liability forms. Minors must have forms signed by a parent or guardian.
REI: Seattle
What: REI’s flagship store in downtown Seattle is a bona fide tourist destination and an ideal place to spend a morning or afternoon with the kids and outdoorsy adults.
Anyone at least 3 feet tall can climb the store’s free-standing, 65-foot (four-story) pinnacle surrounded on all sides by windows and, near the top, views of the city.
Staff members provide coaching, belaying, harnesses and climbing shoes. Routes range from beginner to expert.
If you have young ones that aren’t quite big enough, they can explore the kids’ play area next to World Wrapps on the second floor, or you can chase them around the 100,000-square-foot store.
Where: 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle.
When: Pinnacle hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. Weekday hours are by appointment. Reservations are recommended.
Cost: $7 for members or $20 for nonmembers. Lifetime memberships are $20 and come with a coupon for one free climb.
Information, reservations: 206-223-1944, ext. 4086; www.rei.com/seattle.
REI: Alderwood
What: The 25,000-square-foot store at the Alderwood mall has a pinnacle too. Though it isn’t as tall or famous as the flagship store’s pinnacle, it’s conveniently located nearby, at Snohomish County’s largest shopping mecca.
Anyone at least 3 feet tall can climb. Even Alderwood’s resident Santa Claus has climbed the 35-foot (two-story) structure several times.
Staff members provide coaching, belaying, harnesses and climbing shoes. Routes range from beginner to advanced.
Where: 3000 184th St. SW, Suite 952, Lynnwood.
When: Pinnacle hours are noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Climbing slots are first come, first served.
Cost: $5 for members or $20 for nonmembers. Lifetime memberships are $20 and come with a coupon for one free climb.
Information: 425-640-6200; www.rei.com/alderwood.
Vertical World
What: This local chain of climbing gyms includes a downtown Everett location with 10,000 square feet of climbing surfaces up to 30 feet high, plus an 18-foot-tall bouldering area that can be used without ropes. Routes range from beginner to expert.
If you’re clueless about climbing, book a one-hour belay session ($45), which includes instruction and equipment for up to four people, adults or kids. Reservations are required.
Climbing programs are offered to all ages, starting with Rockin’ Tots for ages 3 to 5. Women’s-only sessions this fall are on Sunday mornings.
Where: 2820 Rucker Ave., Everett. Vertical World also runs gyms in Seattle, Redmond, Bremerton and Tacoma.
When: Hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Cost: Day passes are $15 for ages 15 and older, $10 for ages 14 and younger. Monthly memberships and punch cards are also available.
Information, reservations: 425-258-3431; www.verticalworld.com.
Stone Gardens
What: This Ballard gym includes 16,000 square feet of climbing surfaces, including a 40-foot-tall outdoor wall, plus numerous bouldering areas that don’t require ropes. Routes range from beginner to expert.
Belay sessions geared for beginners start at $24 per climber, kids or adults. Up to five climbers can share an instructor for reduced rates as low as $16 a climber. Sessions include gear. Reservations are required.
Where: 2839 NW Market St., Seattle.
When: Belay sessions are available 3 to 4 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 7 to 8 p.m. and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 10 to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3 p.m., 3 to 4 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Cost: Day passes are $16 for ages 15 and older, $11 for ages 14 and younger. Monthly memberships and punch cards are also available.
Information, reservations: 206-781-9828; www.stonegardens.com.
Resources
Find a list of indoor climbing venues in Washington at www.indoorclimbing.com.
Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.
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