Smith Craggin' Classic

10/06/2023

Wooooo! The bridge is DONE! The bridge is done! The bridge done!

So glad that even with the delay, everything came together so quickly. Thanks to Smith Rock State Park for getting this project going and getting a new, larger, safer bridge for us all to use.

We are SO relieved that we will have FULL access to the park for our clinics and climbers to utilize!

We’re going to go take a quick minute to cry for joy and relief, celebrate with a drink and sleep a little more soundly tonight.

10/03/2023

Oh hey, just here hanging out on the land of the Smith Craggin Classic!

Beth and I are here just measuring stuff, pointing at things, making decisions, changing our minds, deciding again and thinking about every detail of our event layout so we can make sure it’s the greatest layout of all time!

There’s going to be a bit of construction on our event land this year but it’s going to be worth it when it’s all done next year! It won’t really affect the event much outside of some, generally, unused space being made into a house… On the plus side we gain more flat land, a pond, electric and eventually water and said house to utilize during the event.

While we were there of course we had to check out the view of Smith, see the bridge progress and run up a classic route on Rope de Dope!

Also, a big 🙌🏼🙌🏼 to those who refrained from crossing the river and sticking to the accessible areas. We want to encourage folks to continue to respect the request of Smith Rock State Park rangers and avoid fording the River to get to the other side of the park. For details on why this is so important, head to , page or the Smith Rock State Park website.

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09/11/2023

We want to give a big thank you to for inviting Beth and me (as reps of the LCC and AAC Smith Craggin Classic) to be guests of this super special event, which raised money for (Native American Youth and Family Center).

As a Native woman it was so special to see so many people come together to support for our Native communities and to see the climbing community show up in a big way to ensure it was a successful fundraiser.

There was also major support from for hosting and donating and to and for helping to bring awareness and support through music!

We appreciate Matt & Lukas and the Zig Zag Climbing crew for supporting AAC & LCC and letting us come support you and NAYA!

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09/01/2023

Oooh, we can’t wait for you to see the rad chairs donated to the Smith Craggin’ Classic Event!

Who knows, maybe YOU will be the lucky owner of one of these chairs by the end of the event! 🤞🏽🤞🏻🤞🏿

Can’t make it to the event but still want a super durable, comfy chair? Head to their website (Helinox.com) to grab one!

08/31/2023

What’s the best place to stuff your sweaty hands into when you’re on the wall (besides a crack!)?

Jinks! We said an chalk bag toooo!!! We’re totally twins!

Start saving up 💰 for those sweet Craggin raffle tickets now so you can buy up as many as you can at the event and you, too, can have the coolest chalk containment unit around, from one of the most reputable companies around!

Big thanks to for this mega donation!

08/29/2023

Y’all asked for some help and answered! Ok, *we* asked for the help. We’ve sat next to those hot climbing shoes at the crag and knew you wanted this!

Not only are they here to help your feet, they care about those lovely hands of yours too, and included some of their Friendly Skin Balm Bar!

I don’t have the curse of the stinky shoe but I still use this ALLLL THE TIME! Also, it’s probably the reason why I don’t have the curse!

We are stoked that 10 of you are going to walk away with the best smelling feet in Oregon!

Can’t wait until the event to break your stinky foot curse? Get over to their website (friendlyfoot.com) and grab your own powder, spray or hand balm before the event.

08/28/2023

You all lighten up our day! And if your lucky, you can brighten your night when you’re wearing the best headlamp around!

Thanks to Coast Portlands big donation, 6 of your heads will be a beacon of light by the end of the event!

You’re going to want to go big on your raffle ticket haul to make sure you have a chance to get your head in one of these!

08/22/2023

We strive to be eco friendly with our events which means using reusable items! We know it can be hard to break away from single use products so we partnered with to help you do that!

GSI Outdoors has generously donated this awesome 4 person table set for our raffle so you (and 3 friends) won’t have to worry about using disposable dish ware this weekend and on your future outdoor adventures!

ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
GSI Cascadian 4 Person Table Set - Set your outdoor table in style with GSI Outdoors 12-piece Cascadian set. With four cups, four plates, and four bowls, it’s got everything you need for a weekend of family camping, canoe trips, or a backyard barbecue. Durable, lightweight polypropylene is ecologically friendly and 100% recyclable, with colors so vibrant you just might want to use them after the camping trip is through. The pieces even float.

This set include four 6-inch bowls, four 9.5-inch plates, and four 12-ounce cups. A mesh bag contains the entire set for storage or transport.

Made of durable, lightweight, ecologically-friendly polypropylene for long life and 100% recyclability

Complete dining setting for 4 in dynamic colors
Mesh bag provides convenient storage

08/08/2023

Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic registration opens soon! The website registration will be LIVE August 24 PST! So, mark your calendars, set your alarms and don’t miss your chance to get your tickets!!

We’ll be updating the event lineup soon so keep checking back to see the new clinics and entertainment we have set for you all!

For those of you looking to be apart of the action behind the scenes, we still have some volunteer shifts open! Working 2 shifts will get you a free weekend pass!! 100% worth it!

Also, for folks who heard about the bridge replacement possibly affecting the event, we’ve received notification from the park that the new bridge will be up and open during our event! HOOOORAYYY!!!

Climb on, friends! 🤘🏼

07/06/2023

Hey all! We’re looking for volunteers for this year’s event! The Craggin’ runs Oct 20-22 but we need help Oct 19-22.

We’re doing an “Early Bird” sign-up and anyone on the list gets early access to register for the best shifts/jobs first! The more shifts you take the bigger the perks so you’ll have first grabs to get the most shifts!

Email us if you want to volunteer this year and we’ll send you the registration link once the schedule is done. Our email address is in our bio!

Feel free to share this with friends! The more the merrier!

07/04/2023

Happy Independence Day!

We hope you’re out enjoying the rock somewhere with people you love! Maybe head to watch a fireworks display or waive some sparklers.

Did you know it’s only 3.5 months until Smith Craggin! Also something to celebrate! Let the countdown begin.

Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and helmets while you’re getting your crush on!

06/26/2023

‼️SCHOLARSHIP ALERT‼️

Craggin’ Classic Scholarship Applications Open *THIS* Wednesday, June 28!

We love climbing and believe everyone should have the opportunity to fall in love with it as well. The American Alpine Club and are excited to offer scholarships for the 2023 Craggin’ Classic Series. Scholarships will be prioritized for climbers with marginalized identities or those who are experiencing financial insecurity/hardship.

Applications are due by July 7th so be sure to fill it out and turn it in as soon as you can! Each scholarship includes a Weekend Pass, an educational clinic, and a travel stipend, if needed.

Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic is October 20-22, 2023.

For more info on the Craggin’ Classic check the link in our bio!

Artwork by

04/07/2023

I’m pretty excited to be coming back to run the Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic for the 3rd year in a row!

If you haven’t been to a Smith Rock Craggin’ event or if you haven’t met me at one of the events, let me introduce myself.

I’m Jess! 👋🏼 I have a day job with the state, I manage the Stoneworks Climbing Gym in Beaverton, co-run a national nonprofit dedicated to access and empowerment for women & non-binary climber, I teach climbing classes and focus on how climbing can be used as a therapy tool for CPTSD and depression, and, of course, I am the Event Coordinator for the American Alpine Club’s Smith Craggin’ Classic event.

My goal when planning this event is to bring more diversity to our clinics and who’s instructing the clinics, support local businesses and affinity groups, secure the most badass raffle and auction items and create an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life! I absolutely LOVE seeing how climbing brings so many people of different backgrounds together and how this event has such a positive impact on our climbing community.

I’ve already started planning and I hope you are able to join us and experience the magic of this event.

P.S. I’ll be reaching out to vendors to get the lineup going. If you’re interested in purchasing a vendor spot, please send me an email, link in bio. 😁

03/24/2023

We can’t wait for the fall! (The season)

Fall means beanies, sweatshirts, SMITH ROCK CRAGGIN’, warm foods, perfect send temps, SMITH ROCK CRAGGIN’, colorful leaves, warm blankets, SMITH ROCK CRAGGIN’…you get the idea.

I know Spring JUST started but we seriously can’t wait to see you at the Craggin’ event this fall. We getting another amazing lineup of clinics together, new and returning vendors, new presenters and films, and of course tons of amazing raffle and auction prizes to take home.

We’re still deep in the planning phase but we’ll drop important info as it comes up!

📸 credits:

03/01/2023

Taco ‘bout a party!

The American Alpine Club throws grand climbing parties all across the country but the BEST one (maybe we’re bias) is the Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic! This year it’ll be held OCTOBER 20-22!!

If you’ve never experienced this event then this is the year to do it! Whether you come solo or with folks you know, you will not be disappointed! What can you expect from the event? Great question. Here’s the short list, in no particular order:

1. You’re going to meet new climbing buddies.
2. Climb in a world class location.
3. Camp in the MOST beautiful place at the top of the park.
4. Eat amazing food from local food truck vendors.
5. Watch killer films.
6. Hear legends talk about their experiences.
7. Learn skills from the best in the industry.
8. Get a chance to win ridiculously awesome prizes.
9. Sip on tasty local brews.
10. Visit many local and National companies at their vendor tables.
11. Did I mention the climbing?
12. Support an amazing nonprofit organization just by coming and enjoying yourself!

That Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic in a nutshell. It’s an experience you’ll never forget and we want you to be a part of the magic!

So, go ahead and block off October 20th - 22nd on your calendar right now and stay tuned for details of what we have planned for you this year. ❤️ 🧗🏻‍♂️ ⛰️ 🎉 ⛺️ 🍻

Photo feature:

02/10/2023

The Craggin’ Classic Series is uniting climbers around the campfire at world-class climbing destinations, the Series gathers the climbing community to celebrate, to learn and develop new skills, and to give back to the crag.

If you’ve experienced one of the events you know the magic you feel from being surrounded by a diverse group of people who love the same thing you do…climbing.

We don’t often get to hear about the connections and friendships that come from meeting folks at our events so we were so excited to get a message from a regular attendee & volunteer about how the Smith Craggin’ lead to a great friendship and an amazing trip!

Here’s an amazing pic of Sarah (repping the Craggin’ hat 😍) and Brennan on the top of a multi-pitch in Patagonia! They met at last year’s event at Smith Rock and have been traveling Southern Patagonia with a group of friends.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, ❤️

10/27/2022

We have a fresh batch of photos up on our page courtesy of

Friends in these pictures include

Check them out and relive some of the best moments of this year’s Craggin’! Link in bio.

10/27/2022

10/13/2022

We have our first batch of photos in from our amazing volunteer photographers. This one is from Three more to go! Find the full album here on our page.

Lots of friends in these photos:
.mitchell

10/12/2022

When you’re running an event like this we don’t get a lot of time to slow down and see what’s happening.

These were two moments where I had to get my camera out!

Hour: slinging drinks with a holster of sodas in her hip…epic!

Sunday Cleanup:
As we gathered the items left behind at the event our lead volunteer decided to take a break and try out one of the chairs. Hope the owner of the chair doesn’t come looking for it! (No volunteers were hurt during the filming of this break 🤣)

I do want to give a big thanks for everyone being conscious of getting trash and recycling where they belong. There is actually very little ground cleanup needed after our events and that’s because you all do such a great job of respecting the land you’re on!

If you took photos, be sure to tag us, your friends, the instructors, the companies, etc, involved so we can all reminisce in the awesomeness. Our photos are coming soon!!

10/06/2022

Hi Y’all! As a community we help each other out and our friends at the Ladies Climbing Coalition need a little help!

Each year they raise money by hosting an art auction to fund their annual gear scholarship. As we all know, climbing is expensive and that can hinder the ability for folks to experience the benefits of climbing and of this wonderful & supportive community.

I know we just asked for artists and businesses to donate to our cause but if you’ve got any inventory left available to donate to this cause, we encourage you to reach out to them!

The Ladies Climbing Coalition art auction is where the bulk of the funds come from to fund the gear scholarship. Last year they were able to supply essential climbing gear to 22 recipients who qualified for the scholarship.

If you’re not an artist but still want to help support this cause (providing new gear, discounts for gear purchase, monetary donation, partnerships, etc.) please reach out to them via email [email protected]

We appreciated their support during our event so it makes sense to support them during theirs! 🫶🏼

10/05/2022

10/05/2022

10/05/2022