You can’t tell how big Smith Rock State Park is from HWY 97. In fact, you might even wonder how in the world the landscape you’ve seen in pictures is going to appear out of nowhere. But as you follow the well-marked state park signs from the highway, the rugged, desert landscape will soon capture your imagination.
Smith Rock State Park is in Central Oregon about 10 minutes west of Terrebonne. The Crooked River winds through the park, highlighting the iconic 600 foot cliff-face. It was created between 1960 and 1975 with purchases and gifts of land from the city of Redmond and Harry and Diane Kem, and was made popular in 1986 as the birthplace of U.S. rock climbing.
What To Do:
Enjoy the Views
Even though Smith Rock is known for intense hiking trails & climbing routes, the parking lot is flat and the Rim Rock Trail is an easy walk to some great viewing pointsHiking
One of the more famous trails is called Misery Ridge, but there are a variety of trails in the park. Check out SmithRock.com to see information on the trailsClimbing
Smith Rock is known for great climbing (there are close to 2000 routes!) I have no experience or knowledge about climbing, so would recommend checking out SmithRock.com for all the helpful information
If you look closely, you can see all the different trails that loop around the rocks and Crooked River
Things to Know:
There is a $5 day-use fee required. It should be available through a lot kiosk or at the ranger station
This is the state park where we bought a 24 month Oregon State Park Pass which is a fabulous value if you plan on visiting Oregon State Parks many times over a 2 year period (this the only place I’ve seen it available in person, though I’m sure there are other parks where is it available - as well as online)
In the film “Rooster Cogburn” (1975) with John Wayne & Katherine Hepburn