New problems every Tuesday · Next reset March 24. See this week’s sets →

First time? Start here.

Everything you need to know before you walk in, which is genuinely not much.

Three things

Before you walk in

01

Sign the waiver

Online, two minutes, do it before you come. Under 18s need a parent or guardian to sign theirs.

northwallclimbing.com/waiver
02

Turn up in comfortable clothes

Shorts or leggings and a t-shirt. That's the dress code and there isn't a second half to it.

No kit required
03

Rent shoes at the desk

Six dollars, sizes 4 to 15. Then someone will point you at the yellow wall and tell you where to start.

$6 · chalk is free

Finding us

1140 Dock Street

Getting here

Address 1140 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Free lot behind the building, entrance off S 11th. If it’s full on a Friday there’s street parking on Dock and the Link stops two blocks up.

Opening hours

When we’re open

Open now
Monday 6am – 11pm
Tuesday 6am – 11pm
Wednesday 6am – 11pm
Thursday 6am – 11pm
Friday 6am – 11pm
Saturday 8am – 9pm
Sunday 8am – 9pm

Setting happens Tuesday mornings — the cave may be closed until noon.

First-timer questions

The six we get most

What do I wear?

Shorts or leggings and a t-shirt — anything you can lift a knee to your chest in. Nothing else is needed. No gloves, ever.

Do I need my own shoes?

No. Rentals are $6 and they're fine. Most people buy their own somewhere around visit ten, when they've worked out what they like.

Can I come alone?

Yes — most people do. Bouldering needs no partner and no belayer. You'll end up talking to someone about a problem within an hour anyway.

How old do kids have to be?

Five and up on the walls with a parent present. Kids Club runs Saturdays for ages 5–8, youth team from 9.

Is there anywhere to leave my stuff?

Day lockers by the front desk, no padlock needed. Bags aren't allowed on the mats, so use them.

Do you have a shower?

Two of them, with towels for a dollar. Plenty of people climb before work and go straight on.

First climb is $22 and includes the shoes.