Staying Cool on a Hot Summer Day

Welcome to the fabulous and elusive Carver Bridge Cliff, a rare and unusual, privately owned sport crag that was unknown to rock climbers until 1987. The crag now features excellent climbs, as well as a series of superb bouldering problems in the forest below the crag called the Bonzai Boulders.

The Carver Bridge Cliff formation faces north and extends generally along an east-west axis for several hundred yards in length. A few minor outcrops exist beyond the main sections described herein, but these are not developed for climbing. The highest section of the cliff (Rockgarden Wall) is approximately 130 feet tall. The topographic maps in this section have been separated into two sections. They are as follows: the Rockgarden Wall and the Yellow Wall. The majority of the routes are rated between 5.9 to 5.12. The lower rated climbs tend to be mixed natural protection and bolts, while the higher rated climbs (5.11 and above) tend to be more heavily bolted. The natural protection climbs offer good equipment placements, so you may have to look hard to find an 'R' rated climb at Carver.

Several ultra classics at Carver are: Smerk (5.11 A), Angular Motion (5.12 A), Uncola (5.11 C), Notorious (5.11 B), Sea of Holes (5.12 A) and Rites of Passage (5.10 B, 1st pitch). These and a host of other great climbs helped to set the area on edge and in motion.

Access Privilege And Rules:

The following guidelines apply to all visitors who come to Carver Bridge Cliff. This unique environment is privately owned, and access is granted only to members of the Carver Climbing Club.

Please help preserve access by continuing to observe the following rules:

  • You must be a signed member of the Carver Climbing Club to climb or boulder on Stone Cliff property and/or property owned by Mike and Sherie Rosenbaum
  • You may bring guests who are 18 years of age or older, but they may not boulder or climb. They may only observe, which does not include handling of any rope or other equipment.
  • Only canned beverages are allowed. No glass of any kind.
  • Dogs are not permitted.
  • No smoking.
  • Each climber or boulderer is responsible for picking up their own garbage or garbage left by others. This is a joint effort.
  • No new trails or paths or routes will be allowed. Use only those which are already in place.
  • People must stay on the trails at all times. People walking off the trails can cause damage to the flora and fauna.
  • Each person, whether a member or guest, must have picture ID on their person at all times and be able to present it to anyone acting on behalf of the Stone Cliff Inn to verify membership or identity.
  • The Stone Cliff Inn parking lot may be used all days except holidays and Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm onward. During holidays or Friday and Saturday evenings, members may park at the intersection of Hattan and Gronlund Roads and come in through that trail starting on Stone Cliff Lane.
  • Radios or other music players are not allowed.
  • No rock wall climbing is allowed unless you are an experienced climber with skills suitable to the rock terrain.
  • No removal of rock, moss, wood, or any other item from the site unless it has already been removed for climbing purposes.
  • Be respectful of property and others. You are here at the discretion of the owners. Your right to boulder or climb here is subject to revocation at any time.

Club members must respect the property owner's right to privacy, and to give diligence concerning how you use the property.

Do not litter, or vandalize, or cause excessive noise, and be vigilant concerning others who may trespass or cause problems that may jeopardize access privileges. Continued freedom to climb at this crag ultimately depends upon your willingness to obey the rules.

Provisional access has been granted to each climber who pays a one-time membership fee of $8.00. This membership includes signing a liability release waiver, obtainable at various indoor sports gyms, such as: Portland Rock Gym (21 NE 12th Avenue), or The Circuit Gym (6050 SW Macadam Avenue) Portland, Oregon. When visiting the crag you must carry photo identification.

Important Web Links:

Several valuable links concerning access issues at Carver Bridge Cliff.

Carver Climbing Club

Carver Bouldering