When you’re ready to climb the wall

By Amanda Anderson

Washington is notorious for its dreary and wet weather, especially in the winter and spring months. Cold, rainy weather and being stuck inside amid a pandemic can have some adverse effects on your spirit.

If you’re looking for a different change of pace from day-to-day, check out our indoor climbing wall at Adventures Unlimited at McChord Field. It’s a fun way to get the family out of the house and get some exercise.

The wall is equipped with a bouldering wall and two auto belay systems, plus six other manual belay routes. It’s free to climb for all active duty Service members and their families. For retirees and DOD civilians, climbing is only $5 per person. The facility also is equipped with harness and climbing shoe rentals at $3 each. Climbers are welcome to bring their own gear.

The indoor climbing wall can accommodate any age, size or height as long as there’s proper parental supervision. Due to COVID-19, masks are required at all times. Climbers also are encouraged to reserve their spot to climb. The facility offers one-hour reservations 10 a.m.–5 p.m. for five climbers per hour.

Belay certification classes are now available on the wall for $10 per person. This is knowledge that you can take from climbing gym to climbing gym. You’ll learn the proper commands and techniques involved when belaying a climber as it gives you the freedom to utilize more routes. For reservations and more information, call 253-982-2206.

We want to hear from you

JBLM Outdoor Recreation has so much to offer for any season in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Our mission is to not only offer the best services but also provide our JBLM community with resources to ensure safe and effective recreation. We would love to hear from you by email or phone and deliver you information about what interests you. Our staff has a wide range of experiences and knowledge that we want to share with you to make your time at JBLM and in Washington the best it can be!

Email us at usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-odr@mail.mil or call Adventures Unlimited at 253-982-2206 or Northwest Adventure Center at 253-967-7744 during business hours.