Smith Rock State Park

SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

VISIT

A beautiful array of multi-colored cliffs and spires towering high above the Crooked River makes Smith Rock one of Central Oregon’s most treasured landmarks. Set against a backdrop of the snow-covered Cascade Range, this oasis of the high desert attracts a million visitors each year.


A destination for rock climbers since the 1930s, Smith Rock rose to international prominence in the 1980s when a new style of climbing, led by local climber Alan Watts, brought the attention of the climbing world to Central Oregon. Popular with generations of outdoor enthusiasts, Smith Rock attracts those seeking adventure, challenge, and natural beauty.


Although the entire Smith Rock region covers roughly six square miles, most of the visitors stay within the boundaries of the 689 acre Smith Rock State Park, one of the most-visited parks in the state. and feel the rush of being surrounded by one of Oregon's most breathtaking natural beauties.

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GETTING HERE

Smith Rock State Park sits two miles east of Highway 97 about 25 miles north of Bend near the geographic center of Oregon. The usual access to Smith Rock is through the small community of Terrebonne. A sign marks the turn east onto NW Smith Rock Way at the only light in town. With the towering rocks visible to the northeast, and signs clearly marking the way, you'll have no problem arriving at the state park.


Smith Rock is a 2½ hour drive over a mountain pass from the population centers of the state, including Portland, Salem, and Eugene. These passes can be treacherous in the winter, so be prepared for snowy roads. If you're traveling a great distance, you should consider flying into the Redmond Airport (RDM), just eight miles south of the park.

There are many beautiful things to discover at Smith Rock State Park. The park's map can be found at this link.

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Climbing Smith Rock State Park Welcome Center

In the mid-1980s, Smith Rock transformed from a sleepy backwater crag to one of the best known climbing areas in the country. It wasn't just the high-level routes drawing attention - the tactics used to pioneer these testpieces shook the traditional foundations of the U.S. climbing scene. As the first crag in the United States to embrace the sport climbing ethic, Smith was the birthplace of a new branch in the evolution of the sport.


Part of the broad appeal of Smith climbing are two volcanic rock types that couldn’t be more different. Everyone marvels at the vast, beautiful expanses of welded tuff, while the remarkable columnar basalt hidden quietly upstream seems like a completely different area. Smith’s tuff is both beloved and belittled for good reason.


At best, it’s perfectly solid, highly featured, and a joy to climb. But there’s no way to sugarcoat the nastiness found at the opposite end of the tuff spectrum. Fortunately, few routes plow through the most decrepit walls, and many routes that were once loose are now perfectly solid, scrubbed clean by tens of thousands of ascents. Smith basalt is naturally solid, with occasional patches of lesser stone the rare exception. The vertical columnar basalt is some of the finest you’ll find anywhere, while the rimrock atop the columns and lining the canyon rim adds variety to the basalt experience.

Park Info

  • The park is open all year round, but summer temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. Be careful.


  • First-come, first-served applies to the Bivy Campground.


  • Dawn to dusk are the hours for daytime visitors.


  • Leashed dogs are allowed.


  • Each vehicle must have a $5 day usage permit or a valid state park camp receipt obtained from the self service pay kiosks.


  • Both yearly and two-year licenses, which are sold at the Welcome Center and online, cost $30 each.


  • To find out if a reservation or permit is required for any special event/wedding group, commercial filming, or photography, please call the park manager at 541-548-7501.


With almost 650 acres to explore, there are twelve well-liked hiking paths.

Others link at the top of Burma Road, on BLM property northeast of the park. With pictures, elevation graphs, and maps for each trail, hikers of various skill levels can locate a route that suits them.

 

Were you bringing a pet with you? No issue. Everyone can enjoy their pet while trekking on the trails if they follow the leash restrictions. And here are some other dog-friendly paths throughout the state for your perusal.

 

Are you willing to venture outside the park? On BLM property, follow the Summit Loop to the Summit and Burma Road Trails intersection and proceed straight onto the Gray Butte Trail. Here is a map showing all the hiking routes that are accessible after leaving Smith Rock State Park.

Experiences

Climbing and Hiking

Popular Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • When is the park open?

    The park opens at dawn and closes at dusk (30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset). 

  • Is there a parking fee?

    Oregon State Parks requires a permit for any parked vehicle within Smith Rock State Park. There are three self-service kiosks ($5 daily with no cash accepted).  Anyone visiting more than six days a year might prefer purchasing an annual pass for $30 (good at any state park in Oregon), or a two year pass for $50.  You can buy annual passes at the welcome center (currently a yurt) near the restrooms.

  • Can I bring my dog?

    Dogs are welcome within Smith Rock State Park, though they must be on a leash and under control at all times.  However, it’s best not bringing your dog along on any climbing visit to Smith Rock.

  • Can I camp at Smith Rock?

    If you want to stay overnight within the boundaries of the state park, Smith Rock State Park Bivouac Area is your only option.  With a pleasant setting amid the junipers atop the rim south of the day-use parking area, this campground offers many conveniences.  You can enter the canyon directly from your campsite and enjoy a shower at the end of the day.  The view of the crags bathed in the early morning sun, and the eerie glow of the cliffs during a full moon only add to the charm.  


    There’s absolutely no vehicle camping allowed, whether cars or vans. You'll need to park and walk a few hundred feet to your campsite.  Open campfires and gas lanterns are prohibited, and you can't cook your meals at your campsite - you'll need to use the picnic tables at the designated cooking areas. The clearly marked entrance to the campground turns left off Crooked River Drive, just before the day-use parking lots.  After paying at the self-service kiosk, you can find a campsite in the trees.  Campsites are first come, first serve, and the nightly charge is $8 per person (use of showers included).

  • How Do I Host a wedding at the Park?

    Only the amphitheater section of Smith Rock State Park is reserved for wedding ceremonies. Calling the park office six months in advance, beginning at 6:00 am, will reserve it. 541-548-7501


    Due to site deterioration and disruption of our normal park users, management will no longer issue special use permits for weddings outside this area. Please refrain from showing up at the park and setting up for a wedding outside the amphitheater area. If you decide to use this location, the Park Manager or a ranger will be pleased to talk with you about it and make a reservation for the amphitheater. (see above)Park hours are from dawn to dark.


  • Are there vehicle size restrictions?

    There are no RVs permitted at the Bivy Campground. The most extended vehicle is 20 feet long.


    There is no defined maximum length for vehicles in the day-use parking areas. However, the park does request that RVs, buses, and trailers park in the RV/Overflow lot or parallel park rather than occupying several spaces.


    (Parking a 30-foot RV in these locations wouldn't be a problem. The RV lot has several slots that are longer than 50 feet.)


TEMPERATURE
Watts Rocks
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