Oregon

Take a look at some of the best hand-sized crack climbs across the country, from Nevada to West Virginia.

Check out Julie Ellison's author page.

Check out Climbing Staff's author page.

Check out Hannah Gartner's author page.

Check out Climbing Staff's author page.

A firsthand look at the little-understood art of establishing new sport climbs.

Check out Climbing Staff's author page.

Check out Climbing Staff's author page.

Check out Brooke Jackson's author page.

Age 18 / Redmond, Washington

Check out Climbing Staff's author page.

Check out USA Climbing's author page.

Check out Climbing Staff's author page.

Flash—Our monthly climbing photo gallery

Magma formed Oregon’s climbing before it was cool

Find inspiration from the best climbing photography from around the world.

Withholding judgment about this small clan is prudent. Being on the creative cutting edge of a developing sport is a precarious place to be.

We went in search of the world's craziest, coolest, and most unusual climbing structures, whether they were designed specifically for climbing or simply had some holds thrown on them. From a retrofitted bridge in Oregon to the wild, 121-foot tall Excalibur spire in the Netherlands, here are eight structures that will make your palms sweat.

Seattle, WA

Check out Brendan Leonard's author page.

Check out Climbing's author page.

Check out Climbing's author page.