North Bend is known as a recreation destination for hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers, both nearby and distant, novice and experienced. The climbers we tend to see out here are more of the expert variety, but that is beginning to change, say the staff at Pro Ski and Mountain Service.

“A lot of families are getting into (rock climbing) now,” said Mike Yost, “a lot of people are starting to see it as an alternative workout.”

To foster that interest, Yost, fellow staffer Dave Guyer and shop owner Martin Volken are planning a free sport climbing day, barbecue and vendor fair, noon to 4 p.m. this Saturday at Torguson Park’s 31-foot rock wall.

“We’re going to provide all the gear,” said Yost, “and a few of the guides will be there. They will help you get into the harness, they will help you tie into the rocks…. You can come up with nothing but curiosity.”

Don’t try that anywhere else, though, Yost advises.

For most people, he says, “a little bit of training is probably a good idea before you get out there on the rocks.”

Safety will come first for the day, Yost said. Nationally- and internationally-certified guides will be stationed at ropes anchored from the top of the wall, and supporting climbers as they make their way up the rock face, clipping into the built-in bolts as they go.

The climbing day was inspired in part by the growing interest in climbing, and the climbing classes offered at the shop, and in part by the “amazing resource” of a rock wall in the park.

“I think it’s an under-utilized resource in this town, that really kind of highlights the North Bend brand,” Yost explained.

Sport climbing is widely accessible in the area, too, because many rock walls have already been “bolted” or dotted with safety bolts by expert climbers with authorization from the state Department of Natural Resources.

There are more than 400 bolted routes already just in the Snoqualmie Valley, says Yost.

The sport does take an initial investment for a climbing harness, helmet, sticky climbing shoes, a 70-meter climbing rope, a belay device, locking carabiners and optional — but stylish, says Guyer — chalk bag, which is another reason for the demo day. People can try before they buy.

Along with the gear that climbers can borrow, the event will include gear sales and demos from several sponsoring vendors, music and food.

“It will just be a fun four hours at the park,” said Yost.

For more details about the climbing day, find Pro Ski and Mountain Service on Facebook.

Mike Yost, left, and Dave Guyer stand with an array of climbing gear (inset) available to borrow as part of the Pro Ski climbing day this Saturday at Torguson Park in North Bend.

Chalk bags — they don’t just keep your hands dry, they’re stylish accessories too.