Jim Opdycke is the unofficial “mayor” of Beacon rock. He’s climbed this spectacular basalt monolith in the Columbia gorge for over 40 years and has contributed perhaps more than anyone else to the unique traditional, or traditional, climbing culture of Beacon. We join Jim on a climb up the 900 foot face of Beacon Rock, cameras in tow, and learn about the specialized style of climbing known as “trad”- considered the most pure of climbing styles.