This Climbing Gym In Oregon Is Located Inside A Former Church, And It's Mind-Blowingly Awesome
By Sarah McCosham|Published April 12, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Here in Oregon, we’re not only a bunch of helpless waterfall chasers, devoted hikers, and staunch outdoor enthusiasts, we’re also into climbing. Very into climbing. (Case in point: this bridge in Redmond, Oregon, that was designed especially for climbing!) In Hood River, there’s a new climbing gym that’s quite possibly the coolest place we’ve ever seen. Located inside a former church, Brimstone Boulders is a sanctuary for avid climbers, and it’s wholly, incredibly, mind-blowingly awesome.
If you’re into climbing, there is an abundance of options available in Oregon. Most notable is Smith Rock State Park, an internationally renowned climbing destination.
Built in 1896, the Asbury Church was originally home to an active Methodist congregation who attended services in the 1,500-square-foot building. Over time, the building was renovated (and even picked up and rotated!), with Portland's Povey Bros. providing the bespoke stained glass you still see today. The pipe organ was added in 1913.
The church went through many trials and tribulations during the 20th century, which you can read about on the Brimstone Boulders website. The church held its final service in 2012, sold the building, and was officially deconsecrated in March of 2013. And that's when a group of local climbers with a vision stepped in.
Brimstone Boulders opened the doors of its climbing gym in downtown Hood River, Oregon, in 2020. In the midst of this region of epic outdoor recreation, it's impossible not to be inspired here.
The gym offers a variety of classes, summer camps, teams, and special events geared towards climbers of all ages and abilities. It's *the* place to go for a crash course in Climbing 101!
So tell us: how excited are you to visit this epic climbing gym in Hood River, Oregon? What an incredible place! To learn more, visit the Brimstone Boulders website.
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