If the weather isn't cooperating, take shelter from the storm with some fun (and dry) recreation. Bellingham has a number of places to turn to for indoor climbing and bouldering.
Backcountry Essentials is more than just a local gear shop. They also provide a great knowledge base for getting out there and having some fun - whether it's climbing, hiking, backcountry skiing, or whatever else suits your fancy. Their climbing starter wall is a a great place to try out climbing shoes (since they sell them there) and get kids on a wall (for free).
The downtown Whatcom YMCA climbing wall offers a range of routes for all abilities. There's a shorter wall, a bouldering section, and a larger wall for sport climbing. At one point, the climbing wall was the highest in the state of Washington; it starts in the basement and climbs three stories. There are numerous routes to challenge you as you make your way to the top, and the staff changes them up to make it interesting. Take your pick and try and try again. If nothing else, it's a great workout.
Check out the full set of YMCA Climbing programs, schedules and more. Starting kids at a young age is great for confidence building and strengthening practice. It also gives them better skills when they're out there on the playground, hiking around in nature or even climbing around the house.
For more climbing fun in downtown Bellingham, check out VITAL. They've transformed an entire building into a huge fun zone that offers bouldering, a fitness center, yoga classes, competitions, and more.
There are plenty of opportunities to hone your skills on different routes that they have set up. You'll notice that there are no ropes at VITAL, as it's all bouldering. In addition to the climbing walls, they also offer relaxing places to lounge, do work on your computer, or have a snack and get ready for your next session. The space is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup, too!
Built primarily for Western Washington University students, this wall is also open to Western Alumni and friends of the university.
The one thing that these indoor locations all have in common (besides being dry and comfortable) is that the staff are all great people who want to help you get hooked on climbing. Safety is #1 and the facilities and equipment are all well maintained. No matter if you're a little kid or a hard-core crazy climber- there's something for you (inside) in Bellingham to get your CLIMB ON!
Interested in climbing outside? Let the experts at Cascade Mountain Ascents lead the way! Their Gym to Crag course is designed for rock climbers who know their way around the climbing gym but want to apply their skills in the great outdoors. This two-day course will give you the tools and knowledge you need to get outside and climb with confidence.
