Basic Rock Climbing Course – Madrone Wall

About this event

Location: Madrone Wall Park, near Damascus, Oregon

Date: Saturday, October 25

Start Time: 8:30 a.m.

What We’ll Do & Who It’s For

This is a beginner-friendly climbing course, intended for people who have never climbed before. During the day, we’ll:

• Learn the fundamentals of rock climbing: safety, knots, belaying, use of harness and helmet

• Practice on easy routes under supervision

• Rotate between small groups to give individual attention

• Use all safety gear provided by Loco por la Aventura

• Encourage community, confidence, and connection through the outdoors

How to Get There (from Portland & Nearby Areas)

Address: 19485 SE Highway 224, Damascus, OR

• From Portland, take Highway 224 / Clackamas River Highway heading southeast toward Carver / Damascus

• The road to the crag is off Hwy 224 just past 197th Avenue

• Look for the parking area and a yellow gate (access road)

• If the gate is closed, the park may be closed

• There are about 20 parking spots in the lot

• Parking along the access road or Hwy 224 is prohibited

• If the lot is full, overflow parking options exist (e.g., Barton Park, Carver Boat Ramp)

• There is also a TriMet bus stop (#30) on Hwy 224 near the park access road

Accessibility

This course will be offered bilingually (English & Spanish), so everyone feels comfortable learning and asking questions.

Your Instructors

• Aníbal Rocheta – Professional mountaineer & climbing guide with over 20 years of experience in the U.S. and Latin America.

• Mafe Gonzales – Bilingual outdoor leader dedicated to making climbing accessible and inclusive for the Latino community.

Parking, Fees & Season

• Daily parking fee: $6 (for vehicle passes) at Madrone Wall Park

• Some sources say the daily parking fee has been $8 in the past

• Check for updates with Clackamas County Parks before the event

• The park is seasonally open (closed in part of the year due to peregrine falcon nesting)

What to Bring / What to Wear

Please bring:

• Comfortable, flexible clothing (activewear)

• Athletic shoes or light hiking shoes (closed-toe)

• Water / hydration (enough for a few hours)

• Sunscreen & lip balm

• Hat, sunglasses

• Small snacks (nuts, energy bars)

• A small backpack

• (Optional) Light gloves for belaying

• (Optional) Extra layers (windbreaker, fleece) if the weather changes

No specialized climbing gear is required — we’ll provide the harnesses, helmets, ropes, and other safety equipment.