Portland Rock Gym Inc

Address:	21 NE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Phone:	+1 503-232-8310
Site:	portlandrockgym.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Andrei Istratov

The worst customer service experience that I had in years. Went there in the early morning to get a permanent belay card to be able to belay my kid. I am certified at two other main Portland rock climbing gyms but not at Portland Rock Gym. I introduced myself and stated that I only want to take a belay test, so that I could bring in my kid and belay him The girl at front desk started by saying that why dont I come with my son some other time and get a test and a card then. I said, I am already here, I came specifically for this test, why cant I get it now? It felt that she just did not want to do it. I could not get a reasonable explanation from her why the test could not be done today. Next, during our conversation, I revealed to her that I have my own Grigri and intend to use it during my visits. She said, if you plan to use grigri, you have to take a test every time you come and we will only give you a day card because our philosophy is to use and test with ATC. Great! I am paranoid about safety, but I expect the gym to be just as pananoid. They are the only gym in town who not only do not provide grigris, but also apparently discourage their use. Why would I use an ATC to belay my kid if I happen to own a grigri with vastly superior safety features? I can accept that a gym may have its own standards, and if I would fail the test because I was not aware of some of their gym-specific requirements, I would accept this. If they would say, if you plan to use GriGri, we would have to test you on both, GriGri and ATC to make sure you can operate both, fine. But I cannot accept the unwillingness to give me a test and even more so clearly expressed discouragement of GriGri - that I cannot even get a permanent card if I plan to use GriGri. All my experience in climbing gyms so far, until this encounter, was that people and staff there are extremely nice. Apparently, being nice and welcoming is not a part of Portland Rock Gym philosophy. Driving paying customers away is their philosophy. One star rating, well deserved.

Mackensie Gaddy

This is an awesome gym with lots to offer! Great bouldering and climbing routes, yoga and gym. I would give it 5 stars except for the staff...they need some instruction in customer service. Not like anyone is outright rude, they just ignore you. At first, I thought maybe this was just an off day, but after coming for a few weeks this seems to be the norm. Quite often when I come in there will be staff sitting on the front counter having a conversation with other staff, and very seldom do they greet you, or even make eye contact. If you have to ask for equipment, theyll often hand it to you without stopping their conversation with other staff. When you leave the gym, same thing. No "goodbye", or wave or even a head nod most of the time. It just feels very impersonal and off-putting. Jonah is the only one I can say who does not fit in this category. He often knows customers by name, and always smiles and says hello when you come in or he sees you in the gym. He should lead the other staff in a customer service training, because they really create a clicky, unwelcoming vibe that dampers an awesome gym!

Jason Lee

This has been my go to gym, off and on, for the past six years. Seen the changes and the new altered identity of what used to be a more accessible gym. My guess is that they felt the need to compete with the national brand that moved to town two years ago. My beef is that being strictly a rope Climber, they did little to enhance or improve the gym. Prices have continually gone up over the past year (20% since Sept) and since Im not into bouldering, yoga, or their "gym", the value of membership has significantly declined. The crowds are getting bigger, lines for routes are longer (especially Monday nights), and theres little parking (Portland 3.0). Your experience may vary based on your interests but Im finding it harder to pay the increases for "improvements".

Luke Wright

Probably 3.5 stars here with room to go up. First time to this gym and had a great time. What a clean and accessible facility with a great deal to offer (several walls and routes, auto belay, lots of bouldering, weights, and more!) Really disappointed by the front desk staff. Poor communication skills, poor attitude, not helpful, not grateful when I thanked them for my experience...silent. I understand that this isnt the norm, and I will definitely return but not if this is a regular experience. Hope you have better days bro!

Colin Parker

This place is awesome. Ive been climbing for about 8 years and Ive been to over a dozen gyms, and this one is my favorite. This place has a great mix of TR, sport and bouldering and the route-setting is top notch. Kats routes are especially good. They rotate the routes every 3 months and allow the climbers to give feedback on quality and difficulty. Finally, the membership rates are pretty reasonable and the location is very convenient. After the construction is finished this place is gonna be a gem.

Jessica Kimmet

I decided to try climbing after a nasty fall down a flight of stairs caused a fear of heights. I started with the introductory class where you dont really learn how to tie the ropes, you just climb and get used to the heights. I ended up really enjoying it, took the full class, and now go about 2 times per week. The staff are helpful and friendly. My only frustration is how packed it gets in the winter. I also wish they offered more yoga classes. But I know they dont have the space.

Stephanie Rege

Our family just started climbing several months ago and love our membership at PRG. Between climbing, bouldering, yoga, and the small gym with free weights, cardio machines, etc., theres no better value membership that would be as much fun. My husband and I also get up a couple of nights each week and love developing as climbing partners. Weve met plenty of kind people and have received excellent instruction from climbing guides and yoga teachers.

James Rohlfing

PRG is simply a great place to spend a few hours climbing. The staff are very friendly, laid back, and helpful. The memberships are very reasonably priced, providing discounts for students and veterans. They constantly change the routes and have a nice array of TR and lead with all different skill levels. I would highly recommend this place to friends. In fact, I bring my friends here all the time :)

Karen Myers

My clients always told me great things about Portland Rock Gym Inc so I decided to try it out. The first thing that struck me about this facility is the price of membership. This is an extremely fair priced gym especially considering that its in Portland. The staff is very welcoming and helpful. On my tour of the gym I was excited about the variety of equipment and spacious weight room.

Nathan Collins

Portland Rock Gym is my favorite Portland rock gym! I agree with the other reviewer that if you primarily rope climb here then the prices have been going up without much benefit since the expansion. I like the vibe and staff here way better than at Planet Granite. I hired a guide from PRG years ago when I was first getting into multipitch and it was a great experience.