Smith Rock State Park: The Complete Guide

Our guide to Oregon's Smith Rock State Park shares everything you need to do.

Central Oregon is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurous travelers. The region is well known for its outstanding mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. There are plenty of places in the area to take part in those activities, but few are better than Smith Rock State Park, a 650-acre slice of paradise located not far from the town of Bend.

Smith Rock is a haven for day hikers, mountain bikers, and especially rock climbers. The park's towering basalt cliffs make for a striking backdrop to any outdoor adventure and are especially great for climbing. Those beautiful rock faces draw world-class climbers from around the world, many of which come to test their skills on the legendary climbing routes found there.

But you don't have to be a rock climber to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Smith Rock State Park. It is one of the most scenic locations in the entire country, with plenty to see and do in a relatively small area. Bring your camera, hiking shoes, and sense of adventure, as they'll all come in handy when visiting this memorable destination.

Things to Do

Smith Rock is one of the premier outdoor playgrounds in Oregon, offering something for just about everyone. The park is relatively small in size but still offers plenty to see and do. Here are the top activities for visitors to enjoy.

Go Rock Climbing

As already mentioned, Smith Rock is a world-class rock climbing destination with over 2,000 named routes spread out over more than a dozen areas. There are options for beginners and experts alike, with some routes that will challenge the best climbers on the planet. And because the park is relatively small, it is easy to move between these areas to find the right conditions to meet your needs.

Note: For safety purposes, beginning climbers should always go with an experienced guide. There are several qualified options in the area to book a reservation with. You'll find a complete list here.

Take a Hike

There are 12 official hiking trails in Smith Springs State Park, totaling roughly 10 miles in length. Exploring the park on foot is one of the best ways to take in the scenic landscapes found there, but be warned, some of the routes feature steep climbs and descents, making them very challenging. All of the trails are extremely rewarding, however, immersing visitors in nature and offering stunning views that stretch for miles in all directions.

Explore on Two Wheels or by Horseback

Most of the trails inside Smith Rock State Park are designated for mixed-use, meaning they are open for mountain bikers and horseback riders. Both options are excellent alternatives to exploring on foot, allowing visitors to see more of the park over a shorter time span. The easier routes take riders through river gorges that rise 400 feet into the air, while the harder, steeper paths are hard to climb but provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the snowcapped Cascade Mountains in the distance.

Test Your Legs on a Trail Run

Trail runners looking for a place to test their legs will find plenty to love in Smith Springs State Park. The same trails that make excellent hiking and mountain biking routes are also perfect for running. The paths can be a little crowded near the entrance of the park but quickly become quiet and open the further you wander. After warming up on the lower, flatter routes, head up the steeper paths to take in the sites. The Misery Ridge Loop and Summit Loop are two popular options.

Best Trails

Whether you are hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or trail running, Smith Rock's 12 designated trails has something to offer everyone. The routes are clearly marked and easy to follow but vary in difficulty greatly. Those looking for an easier stroll should head to the River Trail, which is 2.5 miles in length and wanders along the edge of the Crooked River. The half-mile Rim Rock and North Point Trails are also great options, providing awe-inspiring views throughout their lengths.

Visitors looking for more moderately challenging hikes or rides should give the mile-long Homestead Trail, which follows the river and is usually uncrowded. The 7.3-mile Summit Loop isn't overly steep but wanders up to higher points in the park to take in some of the views. It can get busy at times but is definitely worth the walk.

And if you're someone who enjoys a challenge, Smith Rock has plenty to offer too. You'll want to add the Burma Road Trail, Chute Trail, and Misery Ridge Trail to your must-do list. All three are steep, with uneven surfaces and loose scree. But they also take you into the most remote areas of the park, which are often quiet and deserted.

Note: All of the park's trails are designated for hiking and trail running, but some are closed to biking and horseback riding. Be sure to check which options are available before setting out.

Campgrounds

The Bivouac camping area is the only campground located inside Smith Rock State Park. The location is found a few miles south of the main parking area along NW Crooked River Drive and offers tented camping on a first-come, first-served basis. The campsite is especially popular with rock climbers who want to stay as close to the park as possible so they can get an early start on the busier climbing routes each morning. Permits are available in the Welcome Center at a cost of $8/night. Warm showers are available to guests staying at the campground.

Overnight campers should be aware that fires are not permitted inside Smith Rock at any time of the year. Visitors are also not permitted to sleep in their vehicles in the park's parking lot area, and dispersed camping is not allowed.

Visitors to the area who want to camp outside the park will find several options available. The Skull Hollow Campground is located on US Forest Service lands about eight miles from Smith Rock and has 70 designated campsites. It is open from March 15—November 15, weather permitting. Alternatively, the Crooked River Ranch RV Park is roughly 12 miles away, and the centrally-located Expo Center RV Park is just a 20-minute drive. Both are good locations for exploring the area beyond the park.

Lodging

There are no hotels, lodges, or cabins located inside Smith Rock, although there are plenty of accommodations available close by. Bend is the largest and closest urban area and is located about 25 miles from the park. The city has a number of hotel and motel options to choose from, including large national brands that offer reasonable rates. Short-term rental properties are also available for those who prefer that style of accommodation.

The town of Terrebonne (pop. 1,400) is just 3.5 miles from the Smith Rock Welcome Center and also has a few hotel options. Those mostly consist of budget-friendly national chains, like Motel 6, Best Western, and Comfort Suites. During the busier travel seasons, those locations are often booked well in advance, as they are located just 10 minutes from the park entrance. If you want to stay in close proximity, you may want to get your reservation in early.

Popular local hotel options include Smith Rock Resort and The Lodge at Eagle Crest Resort. Both are located just minutes away from the park and offer an array of luxury amenities. If your goal is to stay as close to the action as possible, either one of these lodges will suit your needs.

How to Get There

Depending on where they are driving from, travelers heading to Smith Rock State Park will take the US-97 from the north or south into the town of Terrebonne. Once there, turn east onto Smith Rock Way, driving three miles to Lambert Road. Continue heading north on Lambert until it curves onto Wilcox Avenue. Finally, take a left onto NE Crooked River Dr. and follow the signs.

Accessibility

Due to its rugged—and often steep—terrain, Smith Rock State Park isn't especially wheelchair-friendly. Some of the park's hiking routes—like the North Point Loop and the Rim Rock Trail—are relatively flat and have easy access from the parking lot, although they can be muddy following a rainstorm. Most of the other trails are much more difficult to reach, thanks in part to a relatively steep descent—made somewhat easier with switchbacks—starting immediately after leaving the parking area.

The parking lot itself has designated handicapped spaces, and the Welcome Center is accessible. There are also three campsites in the Bivouac campground that are ADA-compliant. Other than that, the park can be extremely difficult, although some adventurous disabled visitors have managed to reach remote areas.

Tips for Your Visit

• The park is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset every day of the year, including all major holidays.

• Smith Rock State Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Oregon. That means that it can be extremely crowded during the busy summer travel season and on weekends throughout the year. Plan your visit accordingly and be prepared for busy trails, particularly on the routes closest to the parking lot.

• Technically, there is no entry fee for Smith Rock State Park. Visitors who leave their vehicles in the parking lot are charged $5/space, however.

• Advanced reservations for the Bivouac Campground are not available. All sites are first-come, first-served only.

• The park is home to a number of animal species, including mule deer, river otters, rabbits, marmots, and other small mammals. It is not unusual to see bald eagles and other birds of prey in the park, but there are no bears in the area.

• Rattlesnakes can occasionally be found sunning themselves on rocks throughout the park. Be careful where you step, and keep an eye out for these reptiles.

• Permits are not required to climb in Smith Rock State Park, but anyone staying at the Bivouac Campground must pay $8/night

• Some climbing routes are closed at certain times of the year to protect nesting birds. Be sure to check in at the Welcome Center to learn about any closures.

• There are no places to eat or purchase drinks and snacks inside the park, so be sure to bring plenty of food and water for your visit. Nearby Terrebonne has several good restaurants for a post-adventure meal. Base Camp Pizza and the Pump House Bar & Grill are highly recommended.