Where to practice

I live in Oregon and have just started getting into aid climbing. I really enjoy it, but I’m not very efficient or fast. I’d like to change that. Is it appropriate to find a not busy free route that goes at 5.11/12 and practice my clean-aid and hauling technique? If not does anyone have some recommendations on where to practice aid climbing in the PNW. I’m willing to drive several hour in any direction from Portland.

Ryan Shuler wrote:Is it appropriate to find a not busy free route that goes at 5.11/12 and practice my clean-aid and hauling technique? 

Yes. 

Broughton Bluff - basalt cracks.    Just pick one that has few stars!
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/108302891/hanging-gardens

Beacon Rock, South Face - many steep crack climbs.
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/111087707/south-face

Note:  I have not climbed at either place.
But these are the places I would visit and see if there are continuous cracks for practice aid.

Index, WA has some decent options. Practiced on City Park and some other nearby cracks for The Nose.

https://www.mountainproject.com/route/106328525/city-park

Ryan Shuler wrote: I live in Oregon and have just started getting into aid climbing. I really enjoy it, but I’m not very efficient or fast. I’d like to change that. Is it appropriate to find a not busy free route that goes at 5.11/12 and practice my clean-aid and hauling technique? If not does anyone have some recommendations on where to practice aid climbing in the PNW. I’m willing to drive several hour in any direction from Portland.

Why wouldn't it be? Go for it. Ask around at your local gyms if you can get on a bolt ladder, if they have one. Granted, not all grade IV or V routes have bolt ladders, but it doesn't hurt to practice on and time yourself and something to get better at.