We are extremely proud of our Guides.  Along with impressive climbing resumes and years of experience, they are proven professionals with impeccable safety records.  All receive on-going training specific to guiding at Smith Rock.  Additionally, our senior Guides have received intensive training through certifying organizations such as the AMGA, NOLS, or the military. 

Smith Rock Climbing Guides, Inc. is insured and permitted through the state of Oregon.  Our commitment is to provide a safe, professional, and rewarding experience.

Our team combines the most talented and experienced Guides at Smith Rock.  Rest assured you are in the best of hands!     

Featured Guides 

  

  Home: Redmond, OR
  Years Climbing: 19
  Years Guiding: 9

Certifications and training:

          • American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified Rock Instructor
          • Bachelors of Science, Geology, 2002
          • Certified Wilderness First Responder, WMI, NOLS
          • Combat Lifesaver first responder training (US Army)

David is originally from Washington state, where he started out climbing the northwest volcanoes with his family.  By age 13 he had discovered rock climbing, and was soon helping to establish new climbs on the basalt crags of central Washington.  A well rounded climber, David has onsighted 5.12d sport climbs, redpointed 5.12d crack climbs, and aided A4.  He has numerous first ascents on rock and ice in the western US, and experience in several countries.  He has guided in Washington, Oregon, and California, and has trip led on successful ascents of over 20 grade V and VI big walls, including numerous ascents of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite.  In addition to vertical pursuits, David has guided class 5 whitewater, completed an Eco-Challenge (Borneo 2000), and even rode broncs as a rodeo cowboy.  A Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard, he spent a year in Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division.  As our Lead Guide and an AMGA Certified Rock Instructor, David is a skilled Guide with a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to share with his clients.       

David speaks “working” Spanish and English.

  Mike Stoger

  Home: Redmond, OR                                            
  Years Climbing: 29
  Years Guiding: 9
                                                                                       

Certifications and training:

         • Certified Mountaineering Instructor (Austrian Army)  
         • Degree in Industrial Technology, Germany, 1988
         • Emergency Response medical training

Mike was born in Germany, and grew up in the central Austrian Alps, where he began mountaineering and rock climbing at a young age.  Although modest by nature, he is one of the world's elite climbers, having redpointed up to 5.14c.  He has established more difficult routes at Smith Rock than any other climber in recent years.  Mike has climbed all over Europe and the United States, and is known for extreme big wall free climbs.  In 1986 he stunned American climbers with a 4 ½ hour free ascent of the West Face of El Capitan in Yosemite.  In 2000 he made the second ascent of the most difficult route on the infamous Eiger North Face in Switzerland, a route that had gone unrepeated for 13 years.  He has free climbed dozens of 1500-2500 foot big walls in the 5.12-5.13 range in less than 12 hours, many of which were first ascents.  Mike served as an Instructor with the Austrian Mountaineering Division, a post that has produced some of the world’s most legendary climbers.  He also specializes in personal coaching.  One of his recent pupils, Matt Fultz, won the US Nationals climbing championship, and redpointed 5.14a as a 13 year old, gaining world-wide attention.  Mike and his wife live in Redmond with their two kids, aspiring climbers as well.  He is truly a world class talent, and we are proud he has chosen to guide with us.

Mike speaks fluent German and English.

  Thomas Emde

•   Home: Terrebonne, OR
•   Years Climbing: 38
•   Years Guiding: 18

Certifications and Training:

• Rock Instructor training, German Alpine Club (1983)
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Germany (1981)

Thomas is a true veteran of our sport.  Born in Germany, by the age of nine he had already climbed 14,000 ft. peaks in Switzerland. Known primarily for his alpine ascents, he has climbed up to 5.13c sport routes as well. His resume in the European Alps includes famous ascents such as the Walker Spur of the Grand Jorasses and the Freney Pillar on Mt. Blanc. He has also taken on challenging alpine climbs in South America, Alaska, and Norway.  In 1985, Thomas became one of the first Germans to visit Smith Rock, helping to establish Smith’s reputation on the world scene; he has established numerous climbs in the park since then, along with replacing hundreds of bolts on established climbs.   Thomas first started guiding at Smith Rock in 1993. His impressive guiding resume also includes work in the European Alps, Norway, and Mexico, as well as American Locales such as Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and the Shawangunks.  Thomas and his wife live in Terrebonne.

Thomas speaks fluent German and English.

  Dave McRae

  Home: Bend, OR
  Years Climbing: 14
  Years Guiding: 3

Certifications and training:

• Associate of Science degree, Weber State University, 1998
• Certified Private Pilot

Dave is an all-around mountain wildman.  An accomplished backcountry snowboarder, mountaineer, and rock climber, he can climb the hardest route on the mountain and then ride down it.  Originally from Ogden, Utah, he started climbing rock and ice in his late teens, and has since summited countless peaks in the continental U.S. and Alaska Range.  He is also certified as a pilot.  His experiences have helped fuel a love of writing.  He has written feature articles for Climbing, and is the staff adventure writer for the Oregon publication Cascades East.  Dave has been a Smith Rock local since 1999.  Although he can lead 5.12, he also enjoys exploring the many easy and moderate routes, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the area.  Most importantly, he posesses a great mix of outstanding technical knowledge and warm personality.  His clients are quick to become friends, and he is a highly requested and recommended Guide.

  Ryan Carrasco 

  Home: Bend, OR
  Years Climbing: 8
  Years Guiding: 2

Certifications and training:

          • B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, 2001
          • Wilderness First Aid medical training
                   

Ryan has wasted no time in the years since he began climbing.  Originally from Michigan, he started climbing in his college years and was drawn west by the adventure of the mountains.  Since then he has taken on peaks and routes that have pushed him to excel in the climbing arena.  His accomplishments range from ascents of grade VI big walls on Yosemite's El Capitan to technical alpine ascents in the mountains of Alaska.  Ryan is naturally skilled as a Guide as well, with a calming demeanor and personable nature that puts his clients at ease.  He uses his role as a Guide to enrich the lives of those around him.  In partnership with Smith Rock Climbing Guides, Ryan volunteers with community groups such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters to provide kids an unforgettable experience.  As our newest staff Guide, he is motivated to constantly sharpen and improve his skills, and we are confident in him as well.       

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