Lost City
Boulder Mountain
Lost City Bouldering – Mt Hood National Forest, Oregon
It’s a rad problem, yes I said rad, but super fun. Beginning on crimps it works out a massive prow that has several amazing and stout variations.
The Problems at Lost City
Tucked into the mossy folds of the Mt. Hood National Forest, Lost City is a hidden gem in Oregon’s bouldering scene. With its cinematic vibe—massive moss-draped blocks scattered among towering trees—it feels like stumbling into a secret sandstone village left behind by time. Despite being just a 90 minute drive from Portland, the area has remained relatively quiet and under-the-radar, known mostly to dedicated Pacific Northwest boulderers and locals who cherish its solitude and raw potential.
The climbing itself is varied and technical, with tall, proud faces, gritty slabs, and steep overhangs peppered with slopers, crimps, and compression lines. The rock—volcanic tuff—has a unique texture that blends grit and smoothness, giving problems a distinctive feel not unlike spots in Washington’s Gold Bar or Leavenworth. Grades here range from beginner-friendly V0 warmups to V10 testpieces, with many boulders featuring clean landings, though a few problems require a healthy number of pads and a good spot.
Development at Lost City was done mainly by Rob Holzman, Jess Holzman, Mia, and a few other local climbers cleaning new lines and documenting classics that had long gone unnoticed. By 2011 a guide was put out and this area was well documented in Pacific Northwest Bouldering which came out in 2015. It is VERY important to note that the correct names and history have not been preserved by others who document bouldering in the Northwest. It is a true mistery why other so-called experts have not taken previously published and well documented bouldering areas names and honored the local developers but this has not been the case. All I can say if you are using certian resources as a guide, they are completely wrong, names are wrong, and grades are way off. Not to rant, but it is outright infurating for others to not respect the actual developers of areas; rant over.
While not a massive bouldering zone, the quality of the problems and the peaceful setting make it well worth the trip, especially for those looking to escape the more trafficked areas. Access is typically seasonal—snow lingers well into spring—so the best time to visit is summer through late fall. Bring a brush, bring pads, and bring a sense of adventure; Lost City has a way of rewarding those who go looking for it.
Another area classic
Located on the west part of the boulder feild, The upper ridge boulder hosts a handful of stout problems out a big overhang and cave.
SEND
The Ridge Boulder
Another area classic
Located in the Main Trench, Dreamdance is a V7 that is one of the best lines in the Northeast!
Tons of Leavenworth-Like Boulders
Beyond the climbing, Lost City offers an experience that’s as much about the setting as the problems themselves. The boulders lie in a quiet, shaded forest just off a lightly trafficked forest road, surrounded by sword ferns, vine maples, and the steady hush of wind through fir trees. It’s the kind of place where a day of climbing is punctuated by birdsong and the occasional sighting of deer or foxes darting through the understory.
Because of its remote and undeveloped nature, the area still has a tiny bit of potential for new problems. Many of the blocks are partially explored or waiting for a motivated team to scrub them into shape. The sense of discovery is strong here—each visit can feel like stepping into a new zone. If you’re willing to bushwhack a little and clean holds, there’s still gold to be found.
There’s no official parking lot or signage, so visitors need to be mindful of where they park and stick to durable surfaces when approaching the boulders. Pack out all trash, respect the forest, and consider brushing down chalk after your session—Lost City thrives on low-impact use and respectful visitors. For those willing to put in the effort, this quiet cluster of stone offers some of the most atmospheric bouldering around Mt. Hood.
Send
North
Areas
The Guidebook
The
Guide
Download the Next Ascent app for the complete guidebook for the Lost City and Boulder Mountain Boulders. You can also subscribe to Next Ascent and unlock every guide in our platform. It has beta on this small area and lists all the bouldering.
