For those bored with the confines of the ground, Oregon is a great place for the gravity-oppressed to expand their horizons on a number of premier outdoor rock climbing sites.
For the agoraphobe, there is the URock Climbing Wall, located on the first floor of the Student Recreation Center next to the weight areas. The wall is open for climbing Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost of renting equipment and a day pass is $6 and private lessons are available for $10.

The University also offers a number of climbing classes through the Outdoor Pursuits Program, including Rock Climbing I, which requires no prerequisite but “a lot of interest,” according to Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator Michael Strong. Rock II is the advanced version of Rock I, and Rock III offers instruction on safety to prepare students for a three-day class outing to Smith Rock, a climbing site northeast of Redmond, about three hours from Eugene.
Smith Rock is a spot that offers “world class climbing” according to senior biochemistry major Joél Spaltenstein.
“Even though it’s three hours from Eugene, I have gone out there for afternoons,” he said. “There’s just so many different routes, and many of the routes are very high quality.”
Skinner Butte Columns is an excellent site for the beginning climber, and is located next to REI at 306 Lawrence St. The Columns offers primarily crack climbing, or climbing using cracks between rocks. The difficulty of the climbs ranges from easy to hard, so the Columns is an ideal place for a beginner.
“The Columns is a great place for beginners to learn,” sophomore and URock Wall supervisor Tino Villanueva said.

Additionally, the Outdoor Program is offering a Rock Climbing 101 clinic at the Columns on May 15 for beginning and intermediate climbers. Check out the Outdoor Program Spring 2004 newsletter for more information.
Located only 90 minutes from Eugene, Flagstone is another popular site for climbers. Villanueva said the site is great for those learning to lead climb. The site also features routes of varying difficulties.
Junior psychology major James Evans, a climbing enthusiast, said climbing could be a valuable experience for most.
“Whether you perceive yourself weak, wild or even just willing, climbing is an experience that should be sought to be had,” he said.