Skyhook Bouldering

Love the gym, the staff, the setting. Sure, it would be great if the gym were larger, but they make up for it in quality. Entry level routes are interesting and reward good technique; more difficult routes are challenging and require good technique. If a middling route feels hard, it means it has something the teach me. Love it here!

Skyhook is a solid bouldering gym and an exceptional community addition. I love this spot and after a few months of coming multiple times a week, it was an easy decision to bump up to the yearly membership. 24/7 access, 2x/week route setting, indoor bike parking, plenty of room to keep out of the way of other climbers (some other gyms are a bit cramped when trying to navigate while staying out of fall zones), clean space, clear and specific etiquette, a co-working space with standing desks and couches, showers, and traditional weightlifting equipment. Routesetting at my level (V0 - V5) has been consistently focused on skill advancement and conditioning rather than “just be tall” or over-relying on dynos. I see this as a considerable benefit as it’s a nonverbal signal of inclusivity and welcome to women/shorter bodies (I’m 5’4”) and it's an indication of competent routesetter hiring. There’s also a direct feedback mechanism on the route leveling as they use the app Griptonite which lets users vote on route level (whether it should be higher/lower or it’s just right). This is nice because what may seem like one rating to the setters and their builds may end up a completely different rating once it’s been climbed by a variety of people with multifarious builds. They also use a color-coded system for route grading in which each color represents a set of V-scale ratings and the colors slightly overlap in difficulty. This stops you from focusing on “I can only do up to this V-rating or color” and helps you to just try stuff. I really can’t sing enough praises for the routesetting here. Informally, I’ve looked around the gym and observed 50%+ femme-presenting folks at times and I don’t think that’s an accident. I think that’s a result of thoughtful etiquette and high-quality route setting that doesn’t sandbag or require climbers to be a turbo-jacked dudebro to complete. The folks working here are all very good noodles — Jamie, Cody, Joel, Nathan, Lincoln, others — they’re all super responsive and helpful when I have questions or need something. There’s never been an instance of me providing some feedback and worrying that I might be brushed off or that my feedback might disappear into some opaque system that I have no visibility into. Upcoming stuff includes a spray wall that’ll eventually be a training board that we get to vote on. Democracy in action! Ya love to see it. Also a plant wall that community members will be able to add cuttings to which I find charming. Ideas (none of these are necessary and may not be accomplishable): sauna, outdoor trips when the weather permits, women and nonbinary climb night (or queer climb night!), throw up a screen and stream climbing films, blackout night (simulated night climbing, turn off the lights, wear headlamps), route setting clinic, brews and bouldering (boulder then go drink beer somewhere e.g. Baerlic), 2 climber training clinic : body type variations (e.g. have 1 expert who is a 5’2” woman and another who’s a 5’10” dude, have them show examples of how their technique differs on the same climbs), some low-key competitions could be fun too. Tl;dr come check out Skyhook, is good

Skyhook Bouldering is an absolute gem! It’s more than just a climbing gym—it’s a welcoming space where you can connect with an incredibly friendly community. Cody’s passion for climbing shines through in the thoughtful design and atmosphere he’s created. The staff are fantastic, the fitness area is well-equipped, and the climbs are both creative and fun. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or a seasoned pro, I highly recommend checking out Skyhook!

This is exactly the bouldering gym that Portland needed. Amazingly fun boulder sets and a friendly staff. All of this coupled with 24/7 access (for members) makes this the ideal bouldering gym for those who care about bouldering. You won’t find and “make you feel good jug ladders” here. Even though there are plenty of easier climbs for beginners, they still force technique and make you think. Far better approach than other gyms in the area. Shout out to Coach Cody, super nice guy who clearly loves what he does!

In the last few months, I sort of 'fell into' bouldering at Skyhook. As an older adult, I find it scary, thrilling and very fulfilling to problem solve The Wall. And to do it in this supportive environment of everyone succeeding after a few falls is a very encouraging life skill. I see life as navigating the landslide. It's humbling. Mastery achievable. Focus required. Thank you.