I had an amazing experience tree climbing with Leo as my guide. It rained during the entire experience, but that just added a sense of adventure to the climb. It's much drier next to the tree so don't be put off by a little rain!
Leo is an amazing instructor. It's super easy to learn from him, and he checks in every step of the way and comes up with ideas for how to make the experience even better.
I'm afraid of heights, and at first I couldn't let go of holding on to the rope for dear life, which doesn't actually do anything because the equipment is so safe. Leo taught me how to get comfortable trusting the equipment at lower heights and then progressively more and more, and it worked! More so, at the top when you look down, the branches cover how high you are, so you don't feel the height as much up there.
It's an incredible view the whole way up any way you look, it changes and there's something new to discover the whole time. At the bottom it's more starting to see the tops of nearby trees, and at the top it's seeing further out the entire forest. Because it was raining, it was also misty that day as we looked out, which just added to the magic of the scenery.
I found the climb slightly strenuous, but not too much. Felt like I got a whole body exercise. Clothes really do get dirty FYI.
Leo also gave me a ride from Portland, and stuck around for me to do a hike, which is just above and beyond, and I'm so grateful.