Ultimate Guide to Exploring Smith Rock State Park in Oregon
I’ve made two trips to the iconic Smith Rock State Park. And it has impressed the heck out of me. The views of the massive rock walls were stunning, and the park’s hiking trails could have kept me busy all day. It’s a true gem in Central Oregon.
For anyone heading to Central Oregon, I highly recommend stopping here, hitting the trails, and maybe even taking a dip in the river.
You’ll love your trip to Smith Rock State Park. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about your upcoming visit!
Smith Rock State Park – An Epic Climbing and Hiking Destination
Is Smith Rock State Park worth visiting?
Smith Rock State Park is a treasured location that everyone in the area should visit. It’s not very big so that you can cover it all in a day—likely less. You’ll love the high-desert climate, which offers excellent hiking, views, and a chance to connect with nature.
Plus, if you hike high enough, you’ll see the great volcanoes west of the park.
Is there a fee to visit?
Yes, and the fee structure changed in 2026, so if you visited before that and remember a flat five-dollar day pass, update your expectations. As of this year, day-use parking runs $10 per vehicle for Oregon residents and $12 per vehicle for non-residents.
If you plan to visit more than five or six times a year, it’s worth doing the math on the annual Oregon State Parks permit. It jumped from $30 to $60 for residents ($75 for non-residents) starting January 1, 2026, as part of a statewide fee increase tied to a budget shortfall at Oregon Parks and Recreation.
The Best Things to Do at Smith Rock State Park
Even though it is small, it packs a punch for things to do in the area.
Hiking at Smith Rock
Smith Rock State Park has a relatively small footprint, which means there are only a few hiking trails. But on those hiking trails, you can take various offshoots to increase or decrease the difficulty or length.
Many trails include Misery Ridge. It’s a focal point of the area.
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Misery Ridge and River Trail
This trail starts at the parking lot and hikes up to Misery Ridge (switchbacks) and Monkey Face. You then wrap around the backside of the rock, hiking alongside the river.
- 3.6 miles
- Hard
- 908 feet of gain (most of it in a half mile)
Misery Ridge and Summit Trail Loop
The first time I visited Smith Rock State Park, I did part of this trail counterclockwise. You start at the main parking lot and hike down alongside the ridge. It’s super nice. Then you leave the state park boundary and start hiking up Burma Road. You’ll reach a high point with stunning views of the Oregon Cascades.
I highly suggest you keep hiking and complete the loop. On my second trip here, we did the full loop; the back side had hardly any crowds, and the river views and volcanoes were EPIC. You’ll be on the backside of Smith Rock State Park before heading up to Misery Ridge, then walking back down to the start.
Do note that it is STEEP going up and down, but nothing hazardous. Take your time, and hiking poles are a smart move.
- 6.2 miles
- Hard
- 1750 feet of gain
Monkey Rock (Misery Ridge)
If you just want to hike up, the approach is short but steep.
- 2.5 miles
- Hard
- 1,100 feet of gain
Crooked River Trail
The Crooked River Trail is a relatively leisurely stroll alongside the river. You’ll hike west alongside the river, bending towards the backside of the rock.
- 4.3 miles
- Easy
- 320 feet of gain
Grey Butte Trail via Burma Road
If you’re looking for a longer hike and to get out of Smith Rock State Park, you can hike to Grey Butte. You’ll get above the main area, with the Butte at 5,000 feet compared to other high points be3,500- 4,000,000. It is a climb, but the photography opportunities here should be fantastic.
- 13 miles
- Hard
- 3,000 feet of gain
Rim Rock Trail
Do this one if you want a quick, scenic walk. It also connects the two parking areas and is almost entirely flat.
- 1 mile
- Easy
- Most flat
Climbing at Smith Rock State Park
Now, I’m not a climber, so I don’t have any hands-on experience. However, it is one of Oregon’s best climbing locations, and people come from hundreds of miles away to climb these rock faces.
The formations worth knowing by name, even as a spectator, are Morning Glory Wall (steep, popular, and visible from the main trail), the Dihedrals, the Red Wall, Christian Brothers, and of course Monkey Face itself. Together, the park offers close to 2,000 routes, from easy 4th-class scrambles to the 5.14a testpiece, on rock that’s mostly welded tuff and rhyolite, which climbs differently than the granite most West Coast climbers train on. It rewards technical footwork over brute strength.
No separate climbing permit exists beyond the standard day-use parking fee, so climbers and hikers pay the same rate to enter. Most of the park’s routes are bolted sport lines, though the Dihedrals and a handful of other formations still offer a strong trad presence if you prefer. Bring a full set of quickdraws and a 60-meter rope at minimum; some of the longer sport routes will eat a 50-meter rope alive on the lower.
If you’re new to the sport or want local knowledge on conditions and routes, Chockstone Climbing Guides, Smith Rock Climbing Guides, and Timberline Mountain Guides all run instruction out of the park, and She Moves Mountains offers women-specific clinics. Spring and fall are the climbing seasons here; summer rock gets hot enough by midday that skin on stone is genuinely unpleasant, and winter brings ice on the north-facing routes.
Photography Opportunities
Sunrise offers gorgeous photography opportunities as the early morning light illuminates the rock face. I was out here for sunrise and found myself in love with the scenery.
As you climb higher, you’ll see views of the Oregon Cascades, including multiple volcanoes.
Fishing
With the appropriate licenses and gear, you can also fish at Smith Rock State Park. Just make sure to check current regulations before heading out.
Planning Your Trip
Where is Smith Rock State Park Located
Smith Rock State Park is 40 minutes north of Bend, Oregon. It’s a pretty easy drive, mainly on a highway, with the final miles through the countryside. It’s also only about 15 minutes from Redmond and the municipal airport.
More broadly, it’s in Central Oregon’s high desert. It’s a three-hour drive from Portland if the weather is good.
Places to Stay Near Smith Rock State Park
There aren’t many places to stay right beside Smith Rock State Park, but Redmond and Bend offer plenty of options.
After two trips to Bend, you should take some time to enjoy the area. Being on the river and in town is so lovely, and the vibes are perfect. It makes me want to move here!
Budget Travel: LOGE Bend
Mid-Tier: Hilton Garden Inn Bend (I’ve stayed here, and it was great, right on the water and within walking distance of plenty of places.)
Luxury Stay: Tetherow Resort
Best Time to Visit Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a unique spot you can visit year-round. Yes, winter and spring can be pretty chilly, but you can still hike most of the year. That being said, spring, summer, and fall are when this place comes to life.
You’ll have superb hiking and climbing opportunities and a real chance to explore and connect with nature on a deeper level.
I know you’ll have a phenomenal time here!
Camping at Smith Rock State Park
The park runs a walk-in, tent-only bivouac campground, open March 15 through November 15, at $12 per person per night. It’s first-come, first-served with no reservations, so bring a backup plan for busy weekends.
RVs, car camping, and open campfires aren’t allowed in the bivy area, though showers are available for anyone staying overnight. If you’re camping and plan to hike or climb that day, your camping fee covers parking, so you don’t need a separate day-use permit.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Visit Bend
I’ve only been to Bend, Oregon, twice, but done a ton of things and really loved it. It’s an adventurer’s dream with plenty of water and mountain activities for everyone!
It’s home to what seems like a million breweries, and there’s something for everyone to do here! Plus, the food is pretty damn good as well.
Activities to do in Bend
Deschutes River Horse Ride
Night Sky Private Photo Tour
Small-Group Paddle Board and Happy Hour in Cascade Lakes
Craft Brewery Tours with Complimentary Tasting Flights
Food Truck and Brewery Tour with Complimentary Tastings
Drive to Tumalo Falls and other waterfalls
Tumalo Falls is one of the closest and best waterfalls near Bend. The parking lot is small, so you may have to park alongside the road.
It’s quite accessible, with a viewing area just 40 yards from the parking lot and no elevation gain needed. If you want to stretch your legs, you can hike up half a mile to the top of Tumalo Falls and see the brilliance there!
Explore a Lava Tube
This was one of those activities I could do in Bend, and I found it super cool. How often do you get to explore a Lava Tube? The tour was a half day and started around 9, and I was done by 12:30-1.
This is only meant for people who can bend down, lie down, and crawl, and who do well in tight quarters.
Go into the Mountains
The Central Cascades are a goldmine for hiking and backpacking. There are literally endless possibilities here. It was still too snowy for me when I visited, but I’ve got my eye on a few spots that look amazing:
- Broken Top
- Three Sisters
- Sparks Lake
- Mt. Bachelor
Newberry Volcanic National Monument
The Newberry Volcanic National Monument, located in central Oregon, USA, is a unique and fascinating geological site. Established in 1990, the monument covers a vast area of over 50,000 acres and is situated within the Deschutes National Forest.
It is named after the Newberry Volcano, which is a large shield volcano that has shaped the landscape with its extensive lava flows and other volcanic features.
FAQ: Smith Rock State Park in Oregon
Are Drones allowed?
No. Drones are prohibited throughout the park year-round, regardless of permit or intended use. Rangers do enforce this, so leave it at home or in the car.
However, there’s a small loophole here. The BLM land and Smith Rock State Park share a border, and once you leave the state park, you are allowed to drone on BLM land.
It’s up to you how you want to handle this grey zone.
What is Smith Rock Famous for
Smith Rock State Park, located in central Oregon, is famous for its stunning scenic views and as a premier destination for rock climbing. The park is renowned for its towering rock formations, part of the Oregon high desert plateau. These features attract climbers worldwide, offering various climbing routes for all skill levels.
In addition to rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is known for its beautiful hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park’s trails provide visitors with breathtaking views of the deep river canyons and rugged landscapes. The Crooked River meanders through the park, adding to its picturesque beauty.
Smith Rock is often considered the birthplace of modern American sport climbing and has played a significant role in developing this sport. Its unique and challenging rock formations have been a testing ground for climbers for decades, contributing to its reputation and significance in the climbing community.
Moreover, the park is not just a climbing haven; it’s a natural retreat for those who enjoy the outdoors, offering a serene environment for picnicking, bird watching, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of Oregon’s high desert region.
What is the weather like?
Bend, Oregon, experiences a high desert climate characterized by distinct seasons, each with its typical weather patterns:
Winter (December to February):
Winters in Bend are usually cold, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (about 1 to 6 degrees Celsius). Nighttime lows often drop below freezing. Snowfall is common, and the city can accumulate significant snow, making it a popular season for winter sports enthusiasts.
Spring (March to May):
Spring brings a gradual warming trend to Bend. Average high temperatures start in the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit (about 7 to 11 degrees Celsius) in March and rise to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (about 18 degrees Celsius) by May.
Nighttime temperatures can still be chilly, often dipping below freezing in early spring. The season is generally characterized by a mix of rain and snow in March, transitioning to more rainy conditions as temperatures rise.
Summer (June to August):
Summers in Bend are warm and dry. Average high temperatures are in the high 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 25 to 29 degrees Celsius). Nights are cool, with temperatures dropping to the 40s Fahrenheit (around 4 to 9 degrees Celsius). Rainfall is minimal, making summers ideal for outdoor activities.
Fall (September to November):
Fall sees a gradual cooling from the summer heat. Average high temperatures in September are in the 70s Fahrenheit (about 21 to 26 degrees Celsius), dropping to the 50s Fahrenheit (about 10 to 15 degrees Celsius) by November. Nighttime temperatures can be pretty cool, dropping below freezing as winter approaches. Rainfall increases in late fall, and snow can start appearing by November.
Overall, Bend’s climate offers a mix of sunny, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, with transitional spring and fall seasons. This variety makes Bend a destination for various outdoor activities throughout the year.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Smith Rock State Park
You’re going to have a fantastic time at Smith Rock State Park. Plan to get there early, knock out a nice hike, eat lunch, and make your way back to Bend.
Find a nice brewery here, or go to Tumalo Falls and see the natural beauty there.
In the end, you will have such a great time in Central Oregon!
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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