Pets allowed
Allowed
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Located in the heart of central Oregon’s high desert, with as many as 1,800 climbing routes, Smith Rock State Park is one of the country’s great climbing meccas.  The park is characterized by its 500 foot tall imposing golden rock spires that immerge from the depths of the Crooked River Gorge making for an exotic and dramatic landscape.  The fortress of rock is composed of welded tuff (compressed volcanic ash) that has been sculpted by wind and water over great lengths of time.  The true icon of the park and of this geological process is the famed Monkey’s Face, a 450 foot rock pillar that hosts one of the most difficult climbing routes in the world.  Luckily, one doesn’t have to be a world-class climber to experience the wonder of the park as there are extensive networks of trails open to hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclist.  If you’re up for a brief but steep hike, take the Misery Ridge Trail to ascend to the park’s summit and to get an up-close view of Monkey’s Face.  If you’re in the mood for something more casual, walk down to the Crooked River and follow the River Trail for as long as time allows.

The park does allow overnight camping, however it is limited to the Bivouac Campground area and does come with several restrictions.   See link for details.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Extensive trail system. World-class rock climbing. Campground. Mtn. Views.

Cons

Heat and sun exposure mid-day during summer months.

Features

Geologically significant
Showers
Campgrounds + Campsites
Flushing toilets
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Potable water
Picnic tables
Covered picnic areas
Horseback riding
Playground
Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

Comments

04/21/2019
Spring is a great time to visit, before temps are unbearable and everything has turned completely brown.
04/09/2018
Such an Awe Inspiring place to roam for a day! We did 12.3 miles through all of the amazing trails
02/03/2018
Finally took the opportunity to hike around this beautiful wonderland.
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