Smith Rock State Park is famous for its memorable views, world-class rock climbing, and variety of spectacular hiking trails.
As Central Oregon locals, we consider Smith Rock State Park a must-see for anyone visiting Central Oregon.
In this full guide, we cover everything you need to know before you visit Smith Rock State Park, including our tips for how to do it right!
By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared for your visit, whether you plan to explore the hiking trails, climb some world-class routes, or simply enjoy the views from the parking lot.
Overview of Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a beautiful and popular outdoor recreational area located in Central Oregon, about 45 minutes from Bend.
Smith Rock State Park Map
Use this interactive map of Smith Rock to get your bearings. You can also expand it in a new window.
Smith Rock is a relatively small park, but within its 650 acres lie incredible rock formations, towering cliffs, and deep river canyons.
Perhaps the most striking features are the massive volcanic ash formations that rise up to 600 feet above the surrounding terrain.
These impressive rocks form the foundation of thousands of rock-climbing routes that draw climbers from around the world.
In addition to rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park offers hiking, running, mountain biking, and even horseback riding.
There are over 12 miles of trails winding through the park, with many possible loop variations.
From anywhere in the park, visitors can appreciate the magnificent views of the unique geology and stunning landscapes.
The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, river otters (they are so cute!), and deer, making it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Smith Rock State Park is open year-round, although spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the high desert climate can be blistering hot in the summer and ice-cold in the winter.
With its reputable scenery and diverse range of outdoor activities, Smith Rock State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone passing nearby!
Hiking at Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering stunning views of the expansive surrounding landscape and the towering rock formations.
The trails at Smith Rock are good quality, well-maintained, and well-graded, which makes the hiking experience super pleasant!
Video of Hiking at Smith Rock
Check out this video Logan made during his recent hike at Smith Rock State Park. This was made on a spring day after a fresh rain.
Smith Rock State Park Trail Map
The relatively small park manages to pack a large variety of trails into a small footprint, suitable for hikers of all abilities.
Popular Hikes at Smith Rock State Park
These are some of the more popular hikes at Smith Rock. As you can see in the map above, there are lots of loop combinations you can do!
| Trail Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Summary |
| Misery Ridge Trail Loop | 3.6 miles | 900 ft | A challenging but rewarding loop with amazing views. The most popular harder hike at Smith. |
| Canyon Trail and Homestead Trail | 1.5 miles | 200 ft | An easy hike that showcases lots of great views. |
| Burma Road Loop | 7.1 miles | 1,200 ft | A hard hike that goes around the edge of the park. A great way to see the entire area. |
| Crooked River Trail | 4.3 miles | 320 ft | A moderate hike that follows the Crooked River. A great way to see the main climbing areas. |
The Misery Ridge Loop Trail is a popular and challenging hike that leads to sweeping views of the park and distant Cascade Mountain Range.
This hike is about 3.6 miles round trip and includes steep ascents and descents. Don’t let the name fool you! It is hard but totally worth it.
For a more moderate hike, there are several flatter trails that follow the Crooked River and provide beautiful views of the park’s famous rock formations.
On a decent day, you are sure to see some rock climbers testing their strength. Also, you might even see some river otters swimming around!
Furthermore, there are several other trails in the park that offer different lengths and difficulties.
The good news is, there are amazing views from everyone in the park! Learn more about specific hikes at Smith Rock State Park.
Rock Climbing at Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a world-renowned rock-climbing destination, attracting climbers from all over the world.
The park has a rich history of climbing that began in the 1960s and even today new routes are being developed.
In fact, the park is home to more than 2,000 climbing routes that range in difficulty from beginner to expert, with something to challenge climbers of all skill levels.
The rock formations at Smith Rock offer a unique and varied climbing experience, from smooth basalt walls to exposed, overhanging cliffs.
Smith Rock offers a variety of climbing styles, including traditional, sport, and bouldering, although sport climbing is most abundant.
The park is also known for its multi-pitch climbs, which offer immersive views of the park and unique rock formations.
Smith Rock offers a range of climbing experiences, from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging climbs that require advanced skills and experience.
Private companies offer guided climbing tours for those who want to experience the thrill of climbing with the help of an experienced guide.
With its stunning scenery, diverse climbing options, and historical reputation, we consider Smith Rock a must-visit destination for any rock climber visiting Central Oregon.
Learn more about rock climbing at Smith Rock. We also recommend picking up this Smith Rock Climbing Guidebook (affiliate link – we earn a commission).
Mountain Biking at Smith Rock State Park
There are several accessible trails open to bikes throughout the park, ranging in difficulty and length.
Although we don’t mountain bike ourselves (we prefer climbing and hiking) we do see people biking at Smith Rock often. Of course, certain trails are better than others.
We recommend the Burma Road Loop counterclockwise. This 7-mile trail circles the entire park and includes a steep climb with a long and winding downhill section.
While Smith Rock does offer some great mountain biking, the trails do get crowded with hikers which is not ideal for bikers.
Make sure you hit the trails early in the morning if it’s a weekend. Learn more about mountain biking at Smith Rock State Park.
Camping and Accommodation Near Smith Rock State Park
Within the park, there is a first-come first-serve bivouac campground located in Smith Rock State Park, which operates between Spring and Fall.
However, sleeping in vehicles is not permitted at the bivouac campground. Rather, it is defined as a “walk-in bivouac area for tents” and there are no reservations.
That said, another option for camping near Smith Rock is nearby at Skull Hollow Campground, less than 15 minutes away. There are some paid sites but also free dispersed camping.
For perhaps a comfier option, there are hotels about 15 minutes away in Redmond and Crooked River Ranch. Short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) are another great way to stay near Smith Rock.
If you’re looking to primarily visit Smith Rock, we recommend camping or staying in a nearby hotel or house rental.
However, if you want to explore more of Central Oregon, you might consider places to stay near in or near Bend.
Logistics of Visiting Smith Rock State Park
Know Before You Go
Smith Rock requires a day-use parking permit that can be purchased on-site for $5 from a kiosk using a card. You can also buy an annual Oregon State Parks pass for $30.
Although there is a lot of parking, the parking lots do fill up on weekends when the weather is nice.
Therefore, plan to arrive before 9:30 am or after 3:00 pm on crowded weekends for the best chance to get a parking spot. That said, you can usually find people leaving if you are patient.
When to Visit
Central Oregon has a high desert climate, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and low humidity throughout the year.
The dry climate allows for over 300 days of sunshine annually. In addition, there are significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.
Summer in Central Oregon is typically hot and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s°F, but recent years have seen many days above 100. If you’re visiting in the summer, start your day early.
Spring and Fall in Central Oregon is generally mild and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F. The fair weather means Spring and Fall are an excellent time to visit Smith Rock.
Winter in Central Oregon is cold and snowy, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low-40s°F.
The area receives an average of 30 inches of snowfall annually, in a combination of small dustings and large snowfalls.
In our experience living in Central Oregon, the snow doesn’t stick around too long after a storm before it melts.
Smith Rock is open year-round, but the hiking can be treacherous if the trails are icy. Footwear with good traction is recommended.
That said, if you catch the park covered in snow, it can make for a magical winter wonderland experience.
Our Tips When Visiting Smith Rock
Stop by the ice cream shop on your way out of the park if the weather is warm! Grab yourself a scoop of their refreshing huckleberry ice cream after a day of exploring.
If you need your coffee fix to fuel your exploring, stop by the Terrebonne Coffee Wagon on your way towards the park. You can’t miss the covered wagon which is conveniently located right next to the turnoff on highway 97.
If you forgot some climbing gear, you can purchase gear at Redpoint Climbing, a store in Terrebonne, five minutes outside of the park.
Conclusion
Smith Rock State Park is renowned for its stunning vistas, world-class rock climbing, and diverse hiking trails, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Bend or Central Oregon.
We hope you found this Smith Rock visitors guide helpful. For more information about Smith Rock, check out this helpful website.
Smith Rock is just one of many amazing places to hike in Central Oregon.
If you’re visiting, we have tons of articles about Central Oregon, including the best things to do in Bend. Happy roaming!
