When local climbing phenom Kelsey Wilder injured her shoulder at her first bouldering competition earlier this fall, she knew she would be in a bind to be ready for her multiple upcoming comps. It was when she was taking a break between climbs during a light workout at Bloc Yard that she first heard mention of dry needling from a friend. Lo and behold, just a few minutes later, she bumped into another friend, who asked how her climbing session was going, and after briefly telling her about her shoulder, her friend casually said, “My husband does dry needling. You should talk to him.” Talk about impeccable timing! 

After just three dry needling sessions, Kelsey was poised to get back on the podium at her next competition. It would be a major understatement to say that the audience was roaring with applause as she dominated her third and final problem. The cheering continued as she stepped onto her third-place podium at Coeur Climbing Co’s FlailFest this past November. 

No doubt you’re wondering what dry needling is and if it can have the same amazing effect on you! Dry needling is a highly effective tool that physical therapists have used for several years and were just recently allowed to use in Washington. In short, it is a technique that involves inserting an acupuncture needle into a painful muscle (often accompanied with electrical stimulation) that can do wonders for reducing pain and improving function. Scan the adjacent QR code to learn more about dry needling at NW Movement Co., or visit Nwmobilept.com. 

Sponsored

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Wild Walls Climbing Gym will mark its 30th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 11, with a day of free-entry climbing, the free Dirty Thirty climbing competition and a party that evening. The anniversary bash from 4 to 8 p.m. will be co-hosted by the Bower Climbing Coalition (BCC)—also celebrating its 10th anniversary—with beer proceeds benefiting BCC’s important work, which includes replacing dangerous, corroded climbing anchors and bolts and organizing crag cleanups. Feast World Kitchen will be serving up international eats from Spokane’s immigrant and refugee community. Indoor climbing will remain free all day, and DJ N8BIT will be spinning through the evening. 

Founded in Spokane’s historic Old State Armory building in 1995, Wild Walls was one of the first indoor climbing gyms to open in the Northwest and has expanded its space and offerings several times over the years. The 12,000-square-foot gym includes two large bouldering areas and 40-foot top-roping and lead walls. Wild Walls provides beginner and advanced classes, youth programs, yoga, group event options and a portable wall for rent. 

“The party and competition are a celebration of 30 years and a thank-you to the continued support from our community,” notes general manager Todd Mires. “We are honored that so many people have had their first climbing experience with us, and we will continue to be a climbing-community hub and place people can call home.” 

The full day of anniversary celebrations kicks off with the Dirty Thirty route and boulder comps that run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can compete at any time throughout the day. Point values will be assigned to every existing route and boulder in the gym, with a final score tallied from the combined point value of the top 30 routes or boulders. Find more details at Wildwalls.com. (OTO) 

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By JP Vallières 

Cover photo courtesy of Angus Meredith

In my 20s, I’d drive a full hour on a gridlocked Long Island Expressway to rock climb. In a gym. On the long, rude drive (full of honking and middle fingers) I’d dream of someday living in distant cities that were near crags: Salt Lake City, Boulder . . . Spokane.  

Eventually, through determination and youthful recklessness, I headed west to live in a place I’d never visited. I’ll never forget witnessing all those mountains, the wild spaces, seemingly endless opportunities for adventure. Before that moment, I figured all those pictures in the magazines were lies. That was the only way I could rationalize the unimaginable beauty I was missing out on. Suffice it to say, these last 14 years, I have been climbing in the gyms and outdoors around Spokane.  

At first, I didn’t know where to begin. Climbing is weird like that. Sure, you can buy the guidebook, but often the guidebook gives you just enough information to get you lost, down some herd path, forever. The most reasonable option was to head to the local gym. It’s the best place to meet people who know when to bang a right at the pile of moose scat followed by a left where the granite’s shaped like a tea kettle. You follow them, and eventually, you’re the experienced one, knowing exactly where the best climbs are.  

In the Inland Northwest we have three great public gyms: Coeur Climbing Company, Wild Walls, and Bloc Yard as well as the non-profit Sandpoint Rock Gym open to gym members. These places are packed with people who want to tell you everything they know about the sport, even if you didn’t ask.  

Inland Northwest Gym to Crag Climbing Courses 

If you’re into a more structured approach on how to climb in the outdoors, check out Coeur Climbing Company’s first-ever Gym to Crag Climbing Course. Once you know basic climbing skills, learned from the Intro to Rock Climbing Course, you will plunge into a four-day accelerated path that will teach you everything you need to know. The skills, techniques, all the gear, and the cool climber lingo: gaston, dyno, crimp, sloper. And how to stay safe while having the best time of your life.  

Spokane Mountaineers Rock School has a similar annual course, where you’ll be trained in the basics and instructed by topnotch climbers who have been doing this longer than any multipitch route in Leavenworth. Meaning, you learn from them, and then you’re set free to climb the remainder of your days. Consider it the deal of a lifetime. 

Gearing Up for Outdoor Climbing 

These courses will lead you into three potential styles of climbing: bouldering, sport climbing, and traditional climbing. For all three, you’ll need a pair of climbing shoes. Get a good tight fit, like a small glove that eventually stretches. Second, chalk and a chalk bag. Now you’re set up for (arguably) the purest form: bouldering. Think of bouldering as climbing to a reasonable height, until you either get to the top or fall on your friend’s cushy “crash pad.” I can’t tell you how many climbers start off with the goal of scaling Everest but decide, after a few weeks, to stick to bouldering. It’s just that much fun.  

But for others, there’s still the lure of great heights. These folks need more gear. Harness, helmet, and a trusted climbing partner. Between the two of you, a dynamic rope, various cords / webbings, and a plethora of hardware will get you safely up any local climbing route. It might seem like a lot, at first, but you don’t need every piece of gear right away. Climbers are great at sharing, as long as you repay the favor with a future belay.  

Most people I meet in the gym are total newbs, buying their first pair of climbing shoes, a chalk bag, and just bumming around. Climbing is a very social sport, attracting all personalities, even those who claim to be antisocial. We all hang out between climbs and sit around and talk. Everyone has something to say, because we’re so happy to be here. At some point, we make plans to climb outside.  

We check the weather report and meet up on the day it’s dry and cool. After the hike in, we climb something easy, an established route, one we’ve all done before. Once we’re warm and ready, we look to test ourselves on the route we’ve been dreaming about for weeks, months, maybe years. We’re wondering if all that time in the gym has prepared our forearms for the real thing. We look at each other and ask, “So, who wants to lead?” Everyone wants to, even if we’re afraid to admit this thing we do is a little crazy.  

Humans weren’t meant to live so high up, right? But honestly, the best thing about climbing, the thing that makes us return to the crag every week, is once we grab that first hold, all life’s distractions fade away. There’s no social media or suffering economy or gridlocked traffic. Nothing left to do, nothing left to think, but climb.  

JP Vallières is the author of the novel, “The Ketchup Factory: a love story.” You can find him climbing at Q’emiln Park in Post Falls.  

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Wild Walls was the passion project of climbing buddies and outdoors enthusiasts Timon Behan and Bill Lockwood. At a time with few indoor climbing gyms, the two worked with experts in the climbing industry and builders in the community to construct two main pillars from 60,000 pounds of steel, plywood and concrete, opening doors in the heart of downtown Spokane in 1995. A lot of climbing space has been added since then, and Wild Walls is now a staple of the Spokane-area climbing community.  

While climbing may have an intimidating reputation for some, Wild Walls manager Todd Mires says the climbing community in Spokane is very welcoming and has grown considerably in the last decade. “The community was small and climbing was a very niche sport and subculture,” says Mires. “Thankfully, climbing has become fairly mainstream, and the bigger the sport, the more people involved, the better the community. Climbing is for anyone and everyone who wants it.” 

Mires’ own climbing story is one of finding a place to fit in and grow in confidence. He fell in love instantly when he began climbing at the age of 12. “I hadn’t excelled at anything athletically up to that point and didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere, so climbing truly rescued my self-esteem. Since then, I’ve observed my story play out similarly for many young climbers. I see my role as creating an environment for everyone to enjoy what climbing has to offer, and hopefully people will fall in love as I did,” he says.  

To give Wild Walls a try, drop by and ask to try bouldering or auto-belaying. “There’s no pressure for those with understandable apprehension with regards to heights,” says Mires. “You are in control of how high you climb. We just want everyone to go at their own pace and what makes them comfortable.” Wild Walls offers belay classes when you’re ready to take your climbing to the next level too.  

The gym also has a yoga studio on site, offering vinyasa and acro yoga classes, which are included with any membership, punch card or day pass. While it may not be immediately obvious, the practices of yoga and climbing can really complement one another. “Yoga serves climbing by improving flexibility and mindfulness, while climbing serves yoga by improving strength and stamina,” says Mires. “I feel yoga and climbing demand a level of focus and body awareness that help tune out stress and anxiety and force participants to be present.”  

This year will be Wild Walls’ 30^th anniversary, so stay tuned for a special celebration. “We greatly appreciate everyone, especially our members, and hope to see you on the walls in 2025,” says Mires. You can find all the details on classes, rental equipment, and climbing times at Wildwalls.com. 

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Cover photo by Angus Meredith courtesy of Coeur Climbing

By Alana Livingston 

We’re all about the outdoors, but we admit that there are some pretty cool indoors-y things going on that can promote wellness and cross-training during the darkest, coldest, and wettest months in our region. From hot yoga to parkour, or giving those beautiful silks a try, here’s a collection of local ways to stay active in “the great indoors.” Especially if you don’t ski or snowboard, these options will help keep you fit and moving throughout the season.  

With so many options, it’s easy to stay active and energized indoors this winter in the Spokane region. Search for similar activities in your immediate area to help ward off the winter blues.  

Harmony Yoga Studio 
This inviting studio offers yoga classes tailored to different needs, including beginner, restorative, and vinyasa styles. Its calm atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for improving flexibility and building strength while reducing stress. (1717 W 6th Ave) 

Wild Walls 
Perfect for those who enjoy climbing or want to give it a try. Wild Walls features top-rope climbing, auto-belay systems, and bouldering areas. They also offer classes and workshops for all experience levels to help you improve your climbing skills. (202 W 2nd Ave) 

Coil Studio 
This studio provides unique fitness classes, including belly dancing, yoga, and aerial arts. The creative sessions focus on dynamic movement and self-expression, making it a fun and energizing way to stay fit. (314 W 2nd Ave) 

The Warehouse 
With six dedicated indoor pickleball courts, The Warehouse is a great spot for players of all levels. The courts are open weekdays from October to April, with nets and balls provided, so you can jump right into the action. (800 N Hamilton St) 

Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym 
Bloc Yard caters to climbers with its range of bouldering routes and training options. The gym also holds regular clinics to help climbers refine their techniques while building strength and endurance. (233 E Erie St) 

Krete Academy 
This parkour-focused gym in Spokane Valley offers structured classes for all ages. Learn to move with confidence and agility or take advantage of open gym sessions to practice on your own. (15215 E Marietta Ave, Suite B105) 

Beyoutiful Hot Yoga 
Experience the benefits of heated yoga at Beyoutiful, where classes range from gentle to high-energy flows. The warmth helps deepen stretches and detoxify the body. (12422 N Division St) 

Coeur Climbing 
Climb the walls at Coeur Climbing in Post Falls for a great indoor workout or fun outing with kids! The region’s newest indoor climbing hot spot is a full-service climbing gym with routes and activities for all abilities, including an awesome kids’ area, bouldering, an auto belay, top-roping, and lead climbing. Look for deals and more info in their ad in this issue (764 Clearwater Loop Suite 101, Post Falls). 

Spokane Great Outdoors Expo (Feb 22-23) 
This annual event put on by Out There Venture at the Spokane Convention Center features outdoor recreation, bike and travel exhibitors including many outdoor clubs and organizations, kids’ activities, an extreme skateboarding show, presentations on outdoorsy topics, demonstrations, marshmallow roasting, live Americana music, hourly prize drawings, display RVs, a full bar and more (Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com).  

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Get ready for an exciting day of competition, camaraderie and community at Coeur Climbing Company in Post Falls on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. This second annual, regional bouldering competition dubbed FlailFest is open to anyone with a passion for bouldering, including all skill levels and ages, from experienced climbers or those who are new to the sport. The comp is divided into several categories to ensure everyone has a fair chance to shine.  

Coeur Climbing members will save $10 on registration, which is $50/person for members and $60 for non-members. Sign up by Nov. 6 to score your official FlailFest beanie with your registration! Participants can choose to compete in one of seven different age/skill level divisions or compete in the overall open division (no age requirement). Each of the divisions, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced, has a male and female category, except the 12 and under group. More info at Coeurclimbing.com. (OTO) 

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Cover photo courtesy of Scott Martinez

The stretch of time between the New Year and spring can be a verrrry long slog. If your New Year’s Resolution had “stay active” or “get outside my comfort zone,” at the top, don’t let gloomy outdoor conditions get in the way. Our area’s climbing and bouldering gyms offer approachable indoor workouts for beginners and experts alike. Climbing builds strength and stamina, provides mental challenges, and is a social sport that organically leads to conversation with other climbers. Each of these local climbing gyms offer climbing features for beginners, options to rent gear if you’ll need it, and drop-in availability to chat with staff and check things out. Visit each gym’s website to learn about membership options and day rates before you go.

Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym

233 E. Lyons, Spokane

www.blocyardgym.com

Bloc Yard is a bouldering-only facility that’s just under 10,000 square feet. The family-friendly gym has top-out boulders (where you climb up and stand on the top of the cliff when you reach the top—with a slide option to take down to the bottom) or a down climb area (where you climb up to the lip of the boulder, then climb back down). The shortest wall is about 7.5 feet; the highest is about 15 feet. The staff resets bouldering problems weekly; they estimate they set about 1,200 different problems every year. Two youth teams—a competitive team and a development team—are available.

New person experience: Visit the gym during any open hours. Staff will talk you through basic rules and safety and can guide climbers toward the routes that are right for their abilities. No equipment needed; climbing shoes and chalk bags available to rent.

Why try it? “It’s a great alternative to your traditional style of fitness and workouts with lifting weights and machines. It engages all of your body as well as your mind,” says owner Adam Healy. “The social aspect, the community aspect of it, is really cool. It’s a very welcoming environment. Everyone’s willing to help out, give pointers, cheer people on.”

As far as the different disciplines of climbing, bouldering is the easiest one for first timers to get started in Healy says. “You don’t need to worry about harnesses, belay classes, anything like that. It’s a very easy way for a first timer to experience what the sport of climbing is all about.”

Wild Walls Climbing Gym

202 W. 2^nd Ave., Spokane

Wild Walls has about 12,000 square feet available for climbing, with about 8,000 of those for top-roping and lead climbing and 4,000 split between two bouldering areas. The top-roping and lead climbing walls are about 40 feet tall. For kids, a Beginner Club teaches kids how to tie knots and belay. For those who have completed Beginner Club or just want to boulder, Climbing Club is available weekly for kids ages 7-14 to advance their climbing skills.

New person experience: Beginners can drop in, rent shoes or any other equipment, and try bouldering or receive instruction in how to use the auto belays. Bouldering and auto belaying are “a low-stakes way to try things out,” says general manager Todd Mires. “The other route [for a beginner] would be to take our intro class to learn how to belay, tie the knots, everything you need to know to be self-sufficient with top-roping.”

Why try it? “If you’re bored of the traditional gym and you’re looking to try something different, it’s a really good, strenuous physical activity,” says Mires. “It’s definitely more community-focused than going to a traditional gym. You’re directly interacting with people often. It ends up being more social, more community-focused.”

Some people try climbing thinking it will be an entertaining way to pass an afternoon—but remember that it’s challenging and strenuous. “It’s not laser tag, it’s not an amusement ride—it’s just a more adventurous avenue to exercise,” says Mires.

Coeur Climbing

764 Clearwater Loop Suite 101, Post Falls, Idaho

www.coeurclimbing.com

Coeur Climbing opened in Post Falls in June of 2023. The gym’s space is mostly devoted to bouldering, and also offers top-rope climbing, lead climbing, and auto belay climbing. There is also a designated kids’ area. Climbing walls generally range from 12 to 15 feet. A variety of classes are available including belay classes, intro to bouldering, and lead climbing. This all-ages gym offers youth teams and winter and summer camps for kids too.

New person experience: Drop in during open hours, sign a waiver, rent shoes if needed, and receive an orientation to the space, as well as guidance on how to use your hands and feet for bouldering and tips on how to fall safely. Introductory courses are available (check website for schedule); no previous experience needed.

Why try it? If you’ve got a fear of heights, that doesn’t need to be a deterrent, says owner Daniel Shaw. Climbers can self-select what’s right for their current comfort and abilities. “Even on those 15-foot walls, there’s no need to go to the top.”

During winter, climbing is a great way to stay healthy, says Shaw. With its emphasis on core strength and mobility, the sport builds endurance and fitness. There’s no limit to who can try climbing. “All kinds of body styles and shapes can do it,” Shaw says. “It’s just a ton of fun.”

Three Other Inland Northwest Climbing Gyms to Check Out

Sandpoint Rock Gym, is a 900-square-foot garage-style bouldering gym with 12-foot walls run entirely by volunteers (shoes available). The gym offers memberships set up with key card access. “For somebody who wants to learn movement and who wants a place to play around, I think it’s a great option, particularly for someone who doesn’t want an overwhelming place with a ton of people,” says Katie Luthy, president of the gym’s board. To visit the gym or learn more, email sandpointrockgym@gmail.com.

The Climbing Center at the University of Idaho in Moscow has 6,000 square feet of climbing space and is set up for bouldering, top-roping, and lead climbing. All equipment can be rented, and the gym is open to the public as well as U of I students. Kids can climb during designated youth climbing hours, and all of the equipment you may need is available to rent. www.uidaho.edu/current-students/recwell/climbing-center

The Rock Shop in Richland is a bouldering gym for all ages with 16-foot walls. Bouldering routes/problems are set for all levels—beginners, experts, and children. The gym offers a series of classes for its junior program, as well as a youth climbing team. www.rockshopclimbing.com

Sarah Hauge is a long-time Out There contributor and writes Out There’s Run Wild column.

Climbing Glossary

Rock Climbing: the sport of climbing rock faces (up, as well as down and sideways).

Bouldering: an increasingly popular category of rock climbing that requires no ropes, belays, or other equipment, taking place on rock formations outdoors or on a rock wall in gyms. Crash pads on the ground provide protection in case of falls.

Top-Rope Climbing: climbing using a single rope that is fed through an anchor at the top of the climbing wall or cliff; the climber is attached to one end of the rope, and a belayer on the ground holds the other end of the rope, pulling it taut as the climber ascends.

Lead Climbing: climbing with a rope (the lead) attached to the climber, who clips the rope into pre-set anchors on the rock face, moving the lead as they progress upward.

Belay: a rope that runs between the climber and another person (the belayer) who can stop the climber’s fall; auto belays don’t require another person.

Boulder Problem: a pre-set route to be completed by a climber engaged in bouldering; can be set to varying degrees of difficulty.

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Even before Coeur Climbing opened its doors in the city of 50,000 residents, Post Falls offered an impressive list of outdoor recreation amenities. The Spokane River runs through the town, offering boating, paddling and swimming opportunities in the lake-like waters above Post Falls Dam and whitewater kayaking, river surfing, tubing and fishing opportunities below the dam. At the idyllic 78-acre Q’emiln Park and the adjacent community forest (500 acres) right across the river from downtown Post Falls, a beautiful swimming beach accompanies miles of hiking and biking trails. The park’s outdoor rock-climbing crags also offer extensive adventure potential for locals and visitors alike.

The real linchpin in the Post Falls outdoor community is the North Idaho Centennial Trail. Connecting Coeur d’Alene to Spokane via Post Falls and Liberty Lake, this ribbon of asphalt, created over 30 years ago, provides a beloved connection for runners, bikers, stroller pushers and walkers. For trails users, Post Falls has become a welcome hub for a coffee, meal or local brew on outings along the 23-mile, river-hugging North Idaho pathway.

Back at the grand opening for Coeur Climbing, the weather proved perfect for games, some climbing competitions, food and coffee trucks, raffle prizes, yoga demos and—the highlight—a meet and greet with the climbing legend Alan Watts. Many climbers pressed Watts to keep the stories coming from his climbing exploits at Smith Rocks and across the Northwest. He answered loads of questions with style and panache, and his presence made the grand opening an event to remember.

Coeur Climbing has a great location right off I-90 (764 Clearwater Loop Suite 101), just around the corner from Buck Knives headquarters, and offers climbing and yoga classes for all abilities and ages. The gym features classes for beginner climbers, women-only, and programs for kids. It offers bouldering, top rope, lead and auto belay climbing, as well as a designated kids’ climbing area. Take a virtual tour of the gym and learn more at Coeurclimbing.com.

Cover photo courtesy Angus Meredith

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The foundation will be showing over a dozen of their favorite short films from the festival that will include outdoor adventure, environmental, political and social justice themes that the festival hopes will inspire viewers to go out and create a better world.

All proceeds benefit the Jess Roskelley Foundation’s pledge of $100,000 to help renovate John H. Shields (Minnehaha) Park and climbing area. Foundation board member John Roskelley says there is a complete renovation planned for the park. Once the City of Spokane and Spokane County have completed the joint project, hopefully by late 2024, renovations will include a new parking lot, improved Centennial Trail access, ADA accessibility, a new restroom, and, thanks to the Jess Roskelley Foundation, a new children’s playground with multiple climbing features. “One of them will be a giant, climbable marmot made out of steel and cement,” explains John. “It will give families a chance to let their kids climb without having to go up on the rocks with ropes.”

In honor of the late Spokane native and elite international alpinist Jess Roskelley, the foundation exists to promote public projects and outdoor activities in the Inland Northwest that will benefit generations to come. Projects the foundation has helped fund so far include a climbing boulder in the Ice Age Floods Playground in Riverfront Park, a new restroom and trailhead at Deep Creek in Riverside State Park, and play features in Spokane’s Audubon Park.

In April 2019, Jess Roskelley was killed in an avalanche in the Canadian Rockies, along with two Austrian climbers. His family created the foundation to preserve the legacy of Jess and his love for Spokane parks. Learn more or make a donation at Jessroskelleyfoundation.com. (Derrick Knowles)

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(Wil Wheaton)

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