Hunter Murray

ABOUT:

Born in Washington and raised in rural Michigan, I, like the mighty salmon, couldn't escape the magnetism of my birthplace and moved to Oregon shortly after high school. The Pacific Northwest holds a special place in my heart and its mountains, rocks, and diverse topography make my adventurous spirit feel at home. I am currently a student in nursing school and am privileged to live only a stone's throw away from my home crag, Smith Rock State Park. 

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 

• Sending Badman, my first 5.14 at Smith Rock. I projected this route over the course of six months and the journey encouraged me to dream bigger in my climbing. The day I sent I was surrounded by friends, prioritizing fun, and had no expectations around my performance. Sending this route in October of 2021 was the catalyst for my best year of climbing to date.
• In August of 2022 I made the third ascent of Deep Blue, a 400 meter, 5.13c multi-pitch in Washington. This climb challenged my comfort zone with its remote feel, alpine conditions, and incredibly involved approach. Our first day trying the climb was a 17-hour epic as we battled early season snow and running water on the route. That day we bailed from less than halfway up the wall. Later on in the season when conditions improved, I went back to work the route over four more days with a few different partners. On the day that I sent, everything went right; we floated up the wall and ultimately went car to car in only 12 hours. I was proud to see the growth of my comfort zone over that period and my expansion into a new niche of climbing that I hope to pursue more in the future.
• Sending Lost Horizons: my first 5.14b, at Little Si, Washington. I began the summer of 2022 with huge aspirations and goals for my climbing that were quickly stifled by a finger injury. This setback encouraged me to explore different styles of climbing and take a break from the difficult sport routes that I was excited about. Instead of projecting, I decided to spend most of my summer climbing traditional routes at Index and exploring larger multi-pitches throughout Washington. At the end of the season, after avoiding hard sport climbing, I returned to my project and was unexpectedly able to redpoint just a few days before my trip ended.
• This spring I will be graduating from nursing school and will be entering the workforce as a registered nurse. I am proud of my career path, my education, and the balance I have been able to find between work and play. Learning to grow and excel simultaneously in multiple areas of my life has been a challenge, but the pursuit of this has brought me great fulfillment. I love the work I am doing and I am excited to be pursuing a career that both gives me meaning and supports the passions that make me feel alive.
• I am incredibly thankful for the climbing community I am a part of in Central Oregon and the history I have at my home crag: Smith Rock State Park. I first climbed at Smith in 2014 and quickly fell in love with its towering volcanic walls, challenging sport climbs, and the community I found around the park. During my years here I have had the privilege to connect with many different climbers from different places and of a variety of generations. I am very proud of these relationships and they have brought significant meaning to my climbing.

Q+A: 

Who is your favorite climbing partner and why?

My long time friend, Jesse Rubenstein. His work ethic, mountain-sense, and supportive heart are all unmatched. We have a storied history of climbing together and have gone on many formative adventures throughout the country with one another. His consistent partnership, support, and love of climbing have all been hugely influential on my climbing journey and the person I have become.

What is your go-to hype song?

Blessing by Alex G

What was the first La Sportiva product you tried?

The Katana! Many years ago this shoe opened my eyes to the power of La Sportiva's high performance footwear.

Which charity/advocacy organizations do you support or belong to?

I am a member of both the Access Fund and the American Alpine Club. I additionally volunteer at the annual, Smith Rock Spring Thing, and work with the High Desert Climbers Alliance to help rebolt and maintain routes at Smith Rock.

APE INDEX:

I am an undercover tall guy! I am 5'11 with a +4 ape index.

Bio photo: © Quinn Rohlf   | Banner photo: © Ben Kitching, @benkitchingphotography