Smith Rock Climbing School

Climbing Guide

Timberline Mountain Guides, Inc. and Smith Rock Climbing School were originally created in 1983 by Mike Volk. He operated the small company out of his house, right across the street from the world-famous Smith Rock State Park. In 1989, Bill Soule became partners with Mike and the two ran the company until Roy Holland took the helm in 1992. In 2000, Steve Baldwin and Pete Keane took over for Roy and ran the company together until 2007. In 2008, Steve left to pursue other interests in Bishop, California and currently, Pete Keane runs the company.

At the Smith Rock Climbing School, we believe the strength of our organization lies in the hands of our friendly and talented guides who all share a common passion for climbing and skiing. Our school is an official accredited program of the American Mountain Guides Association.

Smith Rock Climbing School’s guides have received professional training through the American Mountain Guides Association, and all have wilderness-based medical training. To be a professional guide, one must be committed to their own learning process – as well as their clients – through specialized training and personal experience. It is this dedication to professional training and raising the bar for mountain guiding standards in America that sets us apart from other guide services. Read more

6 recommendations

  •  

    Facebook Verified

    The guide I got from there was amazing. He gave tons of good beta and knew how to push me to improve my climbing

  •  
    Sarah Lee

    Shared on goo.gl

    Request Ben. He rocked! Awesome first time climbing experience. Had fun and learned a ton.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Eric Schmidt

    Shared on goo.gl

    I have climbed twice with them at Smith Rock, and both times have been outstanding. Cliff is a great guide and a blast to spend a day with. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to climb out there, or on Hood.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Rory D.

    Shared on yelp.com

    Ben from Smith Rock Climbing is awesome. Was impressed at how great he was with our kids, creating an amazing first climbing experience for them.

    Original recommendation
  •  
    gbowers1

    Shared on tripadvisor.com

    Lucas was an amazing guide and we learned a ton. It was our first outdoor climb and very different than the gym. Lucas gave us lots of good tips and sometimes no beta when asked. ; )

    Original recommendation
  •  
    Alfie C.

    Shared on yelp.com

    We did a family climbing trip to Smith Rock State Park with this outfit and had a fantastic time. Aaron was our guide and was incredibly patient, encouraging, and skilled with us and our three kids ages 12, 10, & 8. All the equipment was provided and we felt very safe. It was a very positive experience for us and we enjoyed a great day at the crags. Don't miss a chance to climb this spectacular park. Well worth it !

    Original recommendation