Seattle Bouldering Project

Pretty dope, the only dope spot I have found in Seattle! Does get busy, but there is so much wall to cover. It’s in a really cool space, and the people are knowledgable and friendly.

Hands down, Best Bouldering Place in Seattle Area. The first time I came here, it was because my roommate kept convincing me to give it a try. Since then, I have been in love with bouldering, which has become my new hobby. It’s such a great activity/​exercise to do with a group of friends or even by yourself. Seattle SBP also opens until very late (I think 11 pm?), but I have never stayed that long anyway so someone who gets off work late like me have somewhere to you… Even though it gets packed everyday, SBP provides such a large area of climbing so you can just walk around to find less crowded spot. No rope, but if you fall properly, you will never get hurt. The staffs there also make new routes twice a week, I think it’s every Wednesday and Saturday so you will never get bored coming here!
In addition to climbing walls, SBP also provides small work out room on the bottom floor, kids’ climbing room, separate saunas in both male and female bathrooms, complimentary towels, free Wi-​Fi, upstairs seating area, shoes rental ($ 4), tread-​wall, snacks and drinks for sale and monthly membership for as cheap as $ 50s, tons of parking spots and bike parking rack! Basically, it has everything you need to spend your whole evening there. A day pass also costs only $ 12 for student and $ 14-​$ 15 for non student (I forgot the price, but it’s around there).
Bottom line: Love this place.

Friendly service, great atmosphere. get ready to feel sore the next day! It is a lot of fun for everyone!

I have been to a lot of climbing gyms in cities all over the US, but I am a member of SBP along with both of my kids. The bouldering routes here stand out as fresh, creative, and artistic. The staff is incredible, knowledgeable, even wise. Perhaps because SBP is *not* owned by some big chain, the people here seem really committed to making SBP amazing, and a lot of the staff also climb. Also, every customer I have ever talked to at SBP has been cool. The atmosphere is collaborative, supportive, and fun.
In comparison to other gyms, SBP offers a superior climbing experience. At many gyms, bouldering is an afterthought, an activity used for warming up for rope climbing. At most gyms, there is a chaotic mix of routes with multicolored holds and hard to see tape, and the routes are all on top of each other. At most gyms, to make a route hard, they use smaller holds and place them farther apart. Boring! Plus, I’ve been to gyms where, seriously, they don’t wash the holds … ever!
At SBP, there is no tape, except the start and end holds. Every route is made up of holds of a single color, and by grade. So yellows are V0-​V2, greens are V2-​V4, reds are V3-​V5, oranges are V5-​V7, purples are V6-​V8, and blacks are, well, really hard, V8 up to V11 at least. Routes are spread out nicely and which hold goes with which route is never confusing. The routes are creatively set, with interesting use of volumes, arêtes, top-​outs, dynos, and so on. During any given session at SBP, you may need to stem, lie back, mantle, press, twist lock, heel hook, toe hook, etc, etc. They reset two entire walls per week, one on Tuesday and one on Thursday. By 5pm those days, people are hopping on the new routes, comparing beta, and having a really good time figuring out the various puzzles created by the amazing route setters.
Other cool things: The mats are super soft and almost 2 ft thick. There is a small weight and equipment room downstairs. They have: yoga and fitness classes; a kids area and a birthday room; a climbing team with kids who climb as well as any in the entire country, with fantastic coaches; DJ nights; regular visits from companies like Scarpa and Patagonia; super fun climbing competitions that you can do, but that also attract really good professional climbers.
Go on a weekday morning if you want the place to yourself — especially MWF because on Tu-​Th its a bit loud as they will be changing the routes on a wall somewhere. Go on the weekends during the day if you want to climb with people of all levels, and with kids and families. Go from 4:00 — 7:30 if you want to be completely upstaged by one of the 10 year olds training on the climbing team. Go on a weekday night if you want to hang out with lots of new friends and listen to loud (but usually good) music. Thursday night seems the most exciting!
Have fun. Take it slow. And crush it.

I love exploring climbing gyms when I visit new cities. I’ve now been to multiple gyms in SF, Oakland and of course LA. SBP is average when it comes to climbing gyms, but lots of space (including upstairs «study space» and friendly staff bring it a little above average. Why do I say average? I’m spoiled by my Walltopia walls and I found SBP’s routesetting a bit uninspired compared to stuff by Touchstone setters. Still, SBP is a good venue (and one of the few indoor options) for Seattle.

My boyfriend surprised me by taking me here on Saturday, and I had a blast! It was my first time rock climbing so I really had no idea what to expect, but I can say that I’m a fan.
We showed up pretty early, around 9 am. We were glad to find that it wasn’t too busy at all. We left a little after 11 and around then, people were starting to fill the place up really quickly. I can see that it might get a little too packed and people would have to take turns climbing certain areas, which would get annoying.
Upon arriving you have to register/​sign a waiver if that hasn’t already been done. Note: their keyboards BLOW. Like, really bad. Make sure your fingers are feeling strong that day.
After signing the waiver, we got our shoes (first timers get a free shoe rental!) and we were ready to roll after my boyfriend exchanged his shoes for a better size once or twice. They fit really weird… The shoes are designed to crunch your toes together almost, so don’t expect the utmost comfort.
We kind of just went for it, and ended up climbing about 50% of the walls that SBP offers upstairs. I’ve never really described myself as somebody afraid of heights, but this was a little scary! Trying to figure out where your foot or hand was going to go next was a little nervewracking, and a few times I just jumped down from the wall. In the end, I summited most of the walls that I went for and ended up having a really good time.
Something that we discovered/​realized after climbing for over an hour: use chalk. Even if you’re going once! It’s going to help. Also, note that there is a lower level! The level downstairs looks like it’s meant more for kids, as there is a rock climbing castle, a private area with a whole setup meant for birthday parties, and also an easier wall that’s meant for beginners.
Also, be prepared to be sore. Our date was two days ago and my forearms are stillll strugglin’.

This is literally my happy place!!!
My boyfriend was always trying to push me to come here and try it out, and after almost a year I finally gave it a try. My first time at sbp was in July, and I literally fell in love with this place. The sport itself is a challenge, and it’s such a fun way to work out. This place never gets boring (it’s huge!) because there’s an upstairs and downstairs with tons of routes, and it has a gym! They offer workout/​yoga classes, and bouldering classes as well.
*** They also change up the routes every few weeks, so there’s always something new to look forward to!
Great music is always being played, and the people who work here and go here are just amazing. I can literally leave my stuff laying around at random places and know that nothing will ever get stolen.
Pricing: If it’s your first time, try to go with someone who has a membership because they can get you in for free. Other than that an adult day pass is $ 16 and a student day pass is $ 12 (not including tax!). Shoes are $ 4.
***They also have a 10-​day punch card, and for students it’s $ 100. For adults I think it’s $ 120. You can check out their website for more information and validity! I got the 10-​day punch card and used it up fast, and now I have a membership ($ 50 a month), and since I got the punch card first, I didn’t have to pay the $ 40 initial fee for my membership.
Lately the peak time has been around 5−8pm Sun-​Thurs. And it can get prettttty packed. If you want to avoid that, I would recommend coming in the morning, and Fridays and Saturdays it’s not that busy!
Overall, I absolutely love this place! If you’ve never tried bouldering, or ever wanted to try it I would definitely recommend this place! It’s fun and a great experience (safe environment too) :) I never thought I’d like it but look at me now!

The perfect date if you and your boo are the adventurous type. This sport is the ULTIMATE test of physical endurance. You can tell that the creators of this amazing facility have put a lot of thought into the design and operation of this place! New to bouldering? Don’t fret! Their staff will show you the ropes… with out any ropes (yes, I am corny). They provide a short 45 minute beginner class (with a free pair of shoes) and explain the difficulty levels, techniques, and safety instructions. I highly recommend new climbers to take this class, and why not. it’s free! If you want to take a break from climbing there’s a gym downstairs. Even if you decide not to work out or climb you can pretend like your looking for a problem but really you just want to walk on the fluffy crash pads because it feels so good (I am definitely guilty of doing that). It tends to get very busy towards the end of the night 9−11pm. Try to go earlier if you don’t want to wait on a problem. Can’t wait to go again!

As a newbie, this place rocks (get it?!)! Large enough that I can usually find a place to fall off the wall in private. Community feel, as people are more than willing to give you pointers and discuss interesting problems. Clean, friendly, challenging, and fun.
Check it out in the AM when the crowds are light — 9AM on the weekend and 6AM on weekdays are my sweet spot. See you there!

even if you have no experience climbing, you should give it a try. you will learn on your own pace in a safe environment. the whole entire floor is padded. the possibility of getting hurt still exists, but it should dampen the damage significantly. if it is a concern, they do offer an intro class to show you how to fall and stuff so you wont get hurt.
i was hesitant to try it at first because i was a big fella. 230lb in a 5’8 frame. not super athletic, but no slouch either. i was still able to do a lot of the routes. it takes a lot of lower body than it does from the upper body. not until you do all the crazy ones that requires you to hang upside down and everything.
even if you dont climb yourself, its fun to just watch others trying. there are some amazing people on the floor and there will be some people who are just like you trying it for the first time.

It’s a playground for all! For just under $ 18 you get a day pass to indoor fun, especially great for those rainy Seattle weekends. Shoe rentals are available although I’m not sure if they charge for that. They have large locker rooms and cubby storage boxes for your gear. No experience necessary and there are no ropes or helmets required. The floor mats are like walking on a huge air cushion. Just be prepared for the stench of sweaty climbing shoes and FEET to inundate your olfactory bulbs. This place definitely could use some febreezin, it smells just as bad as a hockey locker room– and that’s (cough, cough) bad.

I like this place for its yoga and downstairs gym… I don’t climb but my husband and daughter do! It’s pretty reasonably priced actually, if you get a punch card you can use the gym as long as you want, or go to as many yoga classes as you can survive that day!

Working out, but with something to show for it in the end, a final destination always in mind.
«Bouldering is just like rock climbing, but you don’t use harnesses or ropes.»
«So if you fall, you die?»
«Yeah, unless yr hardcore like me and like to fall on creamy plush padding»
You will fall much more than you will be making it to the top. Paths are color coded and well-​chalked for the most part. Paths vary from testing yr balancing skills, footwork, and upper body strength.
FOr first-​timers, a lot of the paths exist just to mock you, especially the ones that are slanted against you where you’re fighting not only for the next rock but a stronger force of gravity. Plenty of options for beginners as well. I’m personally V4-​V5 (on a scale from V0-​V16) and I can do 60−70% of the paths.
Two floors of bouldering, bottom floor also includes a kid’s playarea.
Monkeybars for adults. What’s that on the wall? DEEZ NUTS.
5

Pros:
–The gym here is huge which is pretty rare for seattle.
–Great variety of routes
–Nice amenities: tape, bandages, towels
–reasonably priced gear for –10% if you’re a member
–2 free guest passes a month for members
–free shoe rental the first visit
–Very reasonably priced membership
Cons:
–Parking if hard to find in the evenings and the gym gets decently packed
–No bouldering orientation for newcomers. I’ve had people try and climb routes beneath me/​children running around under me multiple times

I love this place and here’s why. Note that my friend and I spent a good few weeks trying to find the best gym in term of location and price.
It’s close. Practically a 5 minute drive if you live on Beacon Hill.
The staff is awesome. They’re so nice and extremely friendly.
The equipment is pretty clean for the most part and aren’t beat up. The weight room is way better than the YMCA, 24 fitness or any other gym in the area. LA fitness was a bit too far for me to drive.
There’s a clean sauna where you can pour water on the rocks. (Some places either don’t have that or won’t allow you to).
And the best part? The rock climbing is fun! They constantly change up the routes and there are so many challenges you can do.

Amazing bouldering gym with the added bonus of fitness classes all for a reasonable price. Better than what we have in Denver (heresy, I know). Really like the intuitive color coded rating system. Makes finding and following routes a lot easier. HUGE with a crazy variety of routes to try.
I thought the technique training part downstairs was a nice touch. Also loved the yoga class I caught.
I imagine the parking and climbing can be a bummer when crowded, so try to go on the off times, very late or early, or on weekend late nights.

Let me hear you say oohhh ahhh/​Bouldering in the S-​B-​P
Haha ok that one was kinda lame… But SBP is not! Neither are Snoop and Warren G, we$tside till I die.
The outside is unimpressive, but once you step foot inside the facility you will be nothing short of amazed. High ceilings, spacious, clean, friendly staff. It can just get a little hectic and crowded. Formations change all the time so there will always be something new to conquer!
My first time bouldering was too much fun. I’m scared of heights, so I got halfway up a route and had to go back down. But once you get over that initial fear, its pretty fcking exhilarating when you reach the top, and you’re just like mama I made it! Best feeling is when you’re hanging and you just let go, free fall and the mat will catch you.
Don’t get discouraged when you see a bunch of little spidermen scrambling up the walls, swinging around, and hanging upside down. These kids really be goin ham.
Routes are color coded in correspondence to level of difficulty. Some are straight forward, others might require more strategy and finesse. Overall, it’s a fun workout and I love the challenge. I highly encourage people to try it out at least once!
Student discount: $ 12 and $ 4 for shoes. First time guests, shoe rental is free.
Student Punch Card: 10 x for $ 100
Student Monthly: $ 50

Had a wonderful experience at this facility bouldering. While I was only attempting all the yellow and green levels, I had an amazing time at this location. Second time at this sbp being an out of towner in Seattle from the 305.
This place is always crowded! Beat the crowd by coming on Friday night and staying till late past 9 pm pst, you’ll get to try all the boulders you want. Seriously great location on rainier ave right off of I-​90. If I lived in Seattle I would sign up for a membership.
There’s a whole floor in the basement for beginners like myself. Make sure you don’t get intimidated by all the experienced climbers at sbp.

Love this place! I noticed that when I walked in, it felt a little on the older side but they do keep their walls in shape compared to many others.
Also, climbing here is Very fun! Reasonably priced, great staff and people, nice layout, and full of various options. There are several areas where some people will just be inattentive and stand or sit right below where you are or want to climb but a good yell down when dropping will teach them to pay attention.
The grading of the climb is a bit confusing at first but they do post the maps in all areas for one to see. Once that is understood, it’s all good. They make sure that you don’t get wasted on the way down too with extra holds in every section to be able to safely descend from. This place has lots of experience!
The bathroom/​change areas are pretty big as well and even on a busy day, I could find an easy cubby hole to put my jacket and things. The ground padding shows they are experienced in providing the best bouldering experience and safety they can give.
Thanks! Good Times!

For the most part, this bouldering gym has the cahfed and faded look (and scent and threadbare décor) that comes from steady use. Nothing is dilapidated or worn down, but there are rubber scuffs on the so many surfaces and a dusting of chalk everywhere — telltale sign that people boulder hard here. Leave it all on the wall.
The rating system here is intriguing and, actually, something that I’ve been thinking about and have come to like very much: they employ a color-​coded range where a color covers 2 – 3 conventional grades. White routes are V0-​V1, yellow routes could be V0-​V2, orange routes could be V1-​V3, etc., etc. It prompts the climber to assess the problem and not get so hung up on grades (which can be fluid and subjective anyway).
The ground level space is huge — I don’t know the square footage — encompassing the breadth of a warehouse if not necessarily utilizing the height. With all that space, thankfully problems are spaced out, spreading out the crowds, and letting climbers attack problems without worrying about falling on someone. And believe me, in my excitement and struggle to become a better climber, I’m going to try stuff above my ability and fall off the wall.
Walls along the perimeter tended to be vertical (or even slightly slab), with some touchstone finishes at 18′-ish to 22′-ish (?) bordering on highball status, quite a bit beyond my comfort zone regardless of how much cushiony give the padded floor underfoot had. I’m a hobbit at 200lb, 5’5″ (and a quarter!) — falling [particularly unexpectedly!] from that height might as well be sky-​diving.
Climbs around features in the center of the floor were decidedly shorter climbs, but either instensly static, testing posture & balance, or burly calling on muscle and dynamism. Top-​outs — which I find oddly exciting — were typically around 12′ to 15′. Standing atop your accomplishment is the punctuation mark.
Downstairs is a bit more of a modern, compact space with routes overlapping or [coming very close to] intersecting other routes, but the coffee tables and chairs at the center give it a spectator-​friendly feel; it’s nice, especially if a group finds a challenging route that everyone can focus on and attempt.
There was a lounge-​y elevated/​loft area that I believe had couches and areas to relax and watch climbers below, but I didn’t take advantage of it.
Locker room facilities are the only amenity that I found really lacking. From the cramped and inelegantly oriented locker spaces cloistered & stacked 5 high by 5 across to the persistently damp tile floor & walls, you are in constantly in proximity to something funk and eye-​line with someones’ junk. I don’t take issue with exposure or conventions of modesty — a locker room is a locker room — but I… yeah, no.
All in all, a great climbing gym with a good crowd and I look forward to climbing here again when I’m next in town, but I’ll wear my gear in and wear my gear out and shower at home/​hotel.
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Wet locker room floors and benches. No. Just no. Climb gyms are ALREADY funky and the last thing I’m trying to do is catch something rashy. F. That.