The Circuit Bouldering Gym

Bouldering differs from other forms of rock climbing in a variety of ways, such as its heightened social element. When top roping, for example, climbers are more isolated, relying on a partner below to maintain rope tension. But because bouldering is done on lower courses that don't require a rope or harness, climbers are free to scale walls at will, often resulting in people sharing walls and striking up conversations in between surmounting terrain such as verticals, slabs, and roof climbs—overhangs that put climbers' bodies parallel to the floor.

That's how The Circuit Bouldering Gym got started. Some bouldering enthusiasts crossed paths at a local gym and found they all wanted to expand Portland's bouldering options. Today, they welcome guests to surmount courses—including a hanging boulder—ranging from 8- to 17-feet high and surrounded by crash-pad flooring. Boasting one of the largest bouldering-only gyms in the world, they also designed many of their simulated climbing stations as top-out boulders, letting guests experience what it's like to stand atop a boulder in the Rockies or on the moon. Additionally, they instruct guests with programs such as 90-minute intro courses, four-week movement clinics, and programs tailored for kids. Between climbs, a lounge area lets visitors relax and swap tales of defying gravity's relentless bullying.

To further build the bouldering community, the gym's team organizes annual events that include the Pump-a-Thon, a fundraiser for the Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome Educational Foundation, and the Portland Boulder Rally.