Last weekend, Loco por la Aventura brought together more than 22 climbers—including a diverse group of Latinos passionate about the outdoors—for an exciting beginner workshop in climbing and rappelling at Broughton Bluff, one of Oregon’s most well-known climbing destinations. This iconic spot, located inside Lewis and Clark State Park, offers a wide variety of routes for every skill level, from first-time climbers to seasoned experts.
Where is Broughton Bluff?
Broughton Bluff is located about 30 minutes from Portland, inside Lewis and Clark State Park near Troutdale, Oregon. With its impressive basalt walls and stunning views of the Columbia River, it’s one of the region’s top spots for both sport and traditional climbing.
The event kicked off early, with over 22 climbers gathering at the park’s parking lot before making the 15-minute hike to the cliffs. The group included climbers of all levels, making it possible for everyone to enjoy a day tailored to their skills.
Basic Instructions and Warm-Up
Our guides began with an introduction to climbing and rappelling fundamentals, covering topics such as:
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Proper gear (harness, ropes, carabiners)
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Belaying techniques and basic knots
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Clear communication and safety between climber and belayer
Participants also took part in a warm-up routine, helping to prevent injuries and prepare their bodies for the physical effort ahead.
Climbing Routes at Broughton Bluff
With more than 50 routes available, Broughton Bluff offered challenges for everyone:
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Beginner routes (5.6–5.8): Lines like Warm-Up Wall and Beginner’s Luck were perfect for new climbers, offering big holds and easy moves to build confidence.
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Intermediate routes (5.9–5.10a): Climbers with some experience tried routes like Pet Sematary and Reindeer Wreck, which demand technical movement and body control.
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Advanced routes (5.10b–5.12): The most experienced participants tested themselves on climbs like Ripped Van Winkle and Fight Club, pushing their endurance and technique on steeper, more demanding walls.
Basic Rappelling: The Thrill of the Descent
For many participants, rappelling was a completely new and adrenaline-filled experience. With guidance from our instructors, climbers learned how to descend the rock walls safely. While some were nervous at first, everyone successfully completed the challenge of lowering themselves from the top of Broughton Bluff.
Technical Features of Broughton Bluff
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Rock type: Basalt, offering great friction for climbers of all levels.
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Average route height: 10–30 meters.
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Climbing style: Mostly sport climbing, with well-equipped trad routes available.
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Best season: Spring, summer, and fall (winter rains can make climbing more difficult).
Beyond the climbing, the event became a great meeting point for Latino and local climbers to share stories and support new participants. It was a weekend full of laughter, personal growth, and plenty of teamwork.
By the end of the day, all 22+ climbers went home with new skills and unforgettable memories. The thrill of climbing and rappelling was only matched by the strong sense of community built among everyone there.
If you missed this event, don’t worry—we have many more adventures coming soon! Make sure to follow us on social media so you won’t miss the next opportunity.
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