Charlie is a native Oregonian who grew up in Portland. He graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in Chemistry and Biology. But his passion for the outdoors and adventure has lead him to a different career path as a professional. He is faculty at Oregon State University and Linn-Benton Community College. At OSU, he instructs rock climbing for the Department of Exercise and Sports Science. Through LBCC, he instructs wilderness survival and rock climbing with the Outdoor Education Department. In addition, Charlie is a wilderness medicine course provider with Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO) instructing both Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and an instructor for the American Red Cross.
Charlie has completed the Top Rope Site Manager course with the American Mountain Guides Association and is a Wilderness EMT.
Charlie will be beginning his fourth year with First Ascent in 2008. He is definitely the most requested guide we have and that’s not only because his technical skills are exemplary, but his “people skills” are truly outstanding. |
When he’s not out adventuring on rocks, he enjoys spending time with Sequoia, his four legged friend, and restoring a 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
"Charlie continues to receive rave reviews from Adventure Treks’ students and instructors. He is personable, professional, and able to connect with a variety of age groups to create an outstanding climbing experience.”
Rob Clemens
Associate Director
Adventure Treks
Outdoor Adventures for Teens
Flat Rock, NC
"Thanks for setting us up with excellent guides, as usual. Charlie and Adam were terrific, and created a very special experience for our group. I have to compliment Charlie especially. His exceptional verbal communication skills make him probably the best guide I have ever had in any activity. It's no wonder that he teaches at the university level."
Gerard Lester
Outdoor Program Director
Great Outdoors Academy
Portland, OR
My ten year old daughter Isabella and I experienced outdoor climbing for the first time this summer with First Ascent at Smith Rock. Charlie, our guide, was a patient, inspiring and gifted teacher. Watching a pre-teen daughter climb up a 100 foot high sheer rock wall with confidence and courage is a truly moving experience for a mother. Many thanks to Carol Simpson and Charlie for enabling Isabella's success that day. My hope is that she will apply what she learned from them to her life: stay focused, trust your guide and yourself, have courage, and approach challenges one move at a time.
Barbara Lombardo
Chester Springs, PA
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