Katie Petersen

Barre Instructor

Katie Petersen loves some good type 2-2.5 fun. She’s happiest when she’s outdoors, on the edge of her comfort zone, struggling with friends and family who support one another, and keep the energy high. Even if it’s awful at the time, she knows she’ll look back on it fondly.

In 2023, Katie and her partner, Gareth, moved to Hood River from Portland, where she was born and raised. Completing “The Triple D Challenge” with five of her closest friends marks her favorite Gorge adventure to date: Dog River, Devil’s Rest, and Defiance in one day; 26.6 miles, 10,000ft of elevation gain. (Katie was designed for barre). 

Katie started climbing in 2011. She particularly loves long, easy multi-pitch climbs that mean she gets to enjoy a full day outside with friends, but can be convinced to hike or climb just about anything as long as she’s had a coffee, and someone is bringing snacks. (And she will always have room in her pack for the snacks that won’t fit in yours). If someone brings their dog along, even better.

This year, when she’s not leading a strugglefest at Brimstone or at work in pre-hospital emergency medicine, she hopes to find more time to climb outside, to learn how not to fall over while wearing skis (though she doesn’t hold much hope for this one), and to bag at least a summit or two with good friends.