pacific tree climbing institute

We climbed 200 feet to the top of a Douglas fir tree named Sophia. It took 6 people to encircle Sophia. It was a daunting thought to climb 200 feet. I'm a 58 year old woman with an average physical ability, but with clear instructions from Jason I made it the 200 feet. It's not as hard as I first expected. With proper technique you inch worm your way up the tree. At the top I enjoyed a sack lunch in a tree boat. It's very peaceful with a gentle breeze rustling the pine needles, the birds singing. It's natures cathedral. Go for it. You can do it!

This is one of those "oh, no, you didn't" kind of experiences that everyone will want to hear about. We did the overnight trip, and it was awesome! We started out with a very nice dinner with our new guide friends- Rob and Sarah. (Eat light and drink lighter). Then, we headed into the woods. Yes, the climb is kind of difficult, I won't lie, I thought about quitting a couple times. It took us about 50min to climb- SO worth it! Rob and Sarah will help you out and encourage you to get up there. I can't say enough about the incredible view and how absolutely weird and amazing it feels to be 150ft up in the tree. Waking to the sound of an owl in the tree next to you?! WOW! And the birds are crazy loud in the morning. Reality check: climb is not easy, but you will make it. You probably won't get a great night's sleep, but it will be ok. (We came very tired after a long hike.) Pee-ing in a bottle takes a little skill (ladies, practice at home, from a kneeling position with your freshette). Tips: Our guides brought the pillows, sleeping gear, pee bottles, gloves, climbing stuff, head lamps, water bottles, ask for the rain cover- it will keep out water AND the no-see-ems. You should consider bringing: freshette (ladies), ziploc bag and a few tissues for your used freshette, hairband, extra shirt (you will sweat climbing), warm long sleeve shirt or light jacket, and your camera. We put our stuff in a dry bag, and the guides nicely carried it up for us. We finished off the experience with an very FUN descent (EASY) and a tasty breakfast. Try it! You won't be disappointed! THANKS Rob and Sarah!

PTCI experience is so “different” you find yourself at a loss to equal the reward received. The change it has on you is free. As elevation changes so does the environment until you breech the ground canopy of the normal stuff around 80 feet. Then the view alone is spectacular, as you migrate to canopy dining room lounge for lunch and relaxing. An oasis for body and mind that welcomes memories made from meeting a 600 yr. old friendly giant you can spend the night with. That history is noted as you climb by your guide, noting the physical aspects and survival methods the tree use. This high rise is first class, accommodations for everything, one-of-a-kind experience, and guides that bridge any situation. Sincere thanks to Jason and Deb at PTCI and climb mates Ryan and Paige Marc Roberson

Add "go climb a tree" to your to do list when in Central Oregon, then call these guys up to go do it with. I had the pleasure of an afternoon climb with them and it is something I will always remember. When your walking around the Willamette forest you see these incredible tall trees and wonder about them. With Pacific Tree Climbing Institute you get to get very close and personal with them.The climbing experience is really, really cool. They provide everything (helmet, ropes, harness, safety gear, instructions, food, water) and teach you how to use the rope system. I've had experience rock climbing and it is very different and much easier. Might be a little nervous at first but if you can relax to trust your gear and then learn how to shift your weight correctly with the gear you can inch worm your way hundreds of feet up a tree. They are very patient and will work with you got get you up as far and as fast (or slow) as you want to go. I made it up to the top with my wife and kids (7 & 10). Once up top you can chill in some hammock like things they have set up and enjoy the view, though the best views are actually from below the branches.After you've had your fill of treetop lounging the fun part is getting back down. They hook you up with descending gear and you go down at your own pace. Its a really fun. I enjoyed stopping about halfway down and looking up and down and really appreciating the size of the tree and how straight, graceful and strong it was. If you have the time and means to enjoy a tree climb I highly recommend it and recommend these guys. They were very nice, knowledgeable, patient and careful. I never felt rushed or pushed or unsafe.