The Circuit Gym: Biggest Boulders in the World?

Take Portland’s claims to fame—most microbreweries within the city limits, most strip clubs per capita—and add another: Tomorrow at 9 am, The Circuit Bouldering Gym officially opens a second location, and it will be one of—if not the—largest bouldering gym in the world (gym owners apparently aren’t too concerned with calculating the exact area of their walls).

Circuit Assistant Manager Quinn Dannies is excited about the new, extra-large ropeless rock-climbing playground.

“Even if I didn’t work here, this would be one of the coolest gyms I’ve ever seen,” she said.

The new location at 410 NE 17th Ave. (a block off Sandy Blvd.) is set in a 14,000-square-foot former car showroom. It features 17-foot-tall boulders and three walls that top out, rather than requiring climbers to down-climb. (“One of them will be the size of an entire house,” Dannies said.)

The new facility will also have a top-notch workout gym, yoga space and kids-only area.

Owner Andy Coleman wrote this in a letter announcing the opening to members today:

We like to do things our own way at The Circuit, and the new gym is no different. From the initial demolition to the finishing touches, we did all the work ourselves (I have the scabs and scars to prove it!). The construction crew, all of whom are Circuit regulars, really put their heart and soul into the gym. Working with them was one of the best parts of the project…

Bouldering is our way of life. It is our passion. It is our family. It is our community. This new gym is our thanks to you for being a part of it.

While The Circuit sells memberships by the month and year, it also offers day- and 10-day rates.

“If you’re interested in climbing, [bouldering] a great way to start,” Dannies said. “You can come in and just experiment.”

New gym hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11 am-11 pm
• Tuesday, Thursday: 7 am-11 pm
• Saturday: 9 am-11 pm
• Sunday: 9 am-7 pm