Michael Lary • Jul 06, 2022

In Loving Memory

Bryan Caldwell  1977-2022

Update: The Source will be closed on July 12th for a scheduled Celebration of Life for our friend, Bryan Caldwell.



It is with an indescribable sadness that we are announcing the loss of our long-time friend, Bryan Caldwell.  Bryan was spending a well-deserved holiday in Leavenworth, WA with many of his friends from this community. He was climbing with his partner, when they decided to lower off their route due to weather.  There was a failure at the anchor which caused Bryan to fall while on rappel. He did not survive the fall.


First and foremost, our thoughts are with Bryan’s parents, brother, sister and family.  We want to respect their wishes as they navigate this challenging time. We will share how to best support Bryan’s family as soon as we know more.


Our next priority is supporting the both of the teams that worked most closely with Bryan here at the Source, our staff and our youth competitive team.  WE WILL BE CLOSED TO CLIMBING TODAY to make space for our staff to grieve together.  Normal operating hours resume tomorrow.


Of course, Bryan’s passion and spirit have formed the roots for countless climbers in this community, so we will also be planning a time and space for our whole community to remember Bryan together.


Thanks to everyone for your support and understanding. We will keep the community posted as we learn more.

Climbing Closures

By Michael Lary • 25 Mar, 2024
April 12th, 2024 - Climbing limited to Bouldering, Mezzanine and Fitness areas only. April 13th, 2024 - Closed to all climbing

Legislative Update

By Amanda Foote • 22 Feb, 2024
HB 2265 not voted out of the House

Sport is different from Amusement

By Michael Lary • 05 Feb, 2024
Dear Climbers, We need your help to protect indoor climbing as a sport in Washington state . There is a bill moving through the Washington legislative session right now which is of critical importance to indoor climbing gyms, and we can benefit from the immediate support of three key legislators in our area. Click to EMAIL Rep. Greg Cheney, 18th District (Battle Ground, Salmon Creek) Click to EMAIL , Rep, Jim Walsh, 19th District (Longview) Click to EMAIL , Rep. Peter Abbarno, 20th District (La Center, Woodland, Ridgefield) Background Last April, the Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries sent a ‘cease and desist’ letter to a Washington climbing gym, stating they needed to close until they were permitted as an amusement park. While that may sound absurd to many, the reality is there is ambiguity in current state law which leaves climbing facilities exposed. If gyms were required to be treated as amusement parks instead of a sport, it could have wide-ranging negative impacts on how customers experience our facility, the equipment we use, and the type of climbing we can offer. In response to that action, we have partnered with other gyms across the state to propose legislation defining indoor climbing as a sport, not an “amusement”. We have been working proactively with legislators, department staff and the Washington Association for Justice over the past 9 months to produce an amended bill that everyone can support. This week, our bill passed out of committee and will be coming to a full vote on the House floor in the coming days . We ask that anyone wishing to preserve access to climbing facilities contact their local state representative as soon as possible in support of HB 2265 . Michael & Hanz Source Climbing Center 360-694-9096
More Posts
Share by: