Oregon Travel Guide - Smith Rock

The Newberry volcano spewed lava that flowed down the Crooked River canyon forming low cliffs and steep vertical fin-like shapes. That was 1.2 million years ago. Today, it's 651 acres called Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon‘s Terrebonne. It's highest plateau reaches an elevation of 3000 feet. It's well known for being one of the best places to climb. Even if you're not a rock climber and would rather keep your feet firmly on the ground, or at least within a foot or two, there is plenty to do for the hiker or mountain biker.

Amenities offered at the park are:

• Camping
• Picnicking
• Fishing
• Wildlife watching
• On the way see if you can spy the buffalo ranch.
• Rock Climbing
• Mountain Biking
• Hiking

For the Rock Climber

Rock climbing can be very dangerous and should not be attempted without previous training. That said, you'll find over 1000 climbs up to 600 feet high, to choose from at Smith Rock. Climbers beware, drill out and chipping are strictly prohibited. It is said that purchasing a Smith Rock book ahead of time is a must in order to plan you weekend or vacation climbs. Some of the best and most popular climbs are New Route Phoenix, Magic Light and Chain Reaction. Other climbers are usually of a friendly and helpful nature and willing to point you in the direction of a particular climb for which you may be searching.

One of the challenge climbs is Monkey Face which actually looks like a monkey. It is, however, a natural sculpture rising 350 feet. Or, you might try Morning Glory Wall, Red Wall or Shipwreck. Routs closed February to July, due to eagle nesting, are The Monument and Little Three Fingered Jack.

Inclimb Rock Gym is located near by and is a great place for the novice as well as the experienced climber for a warm up as well as for hooking up with other to plan trips. The gym holds 8000 square feet of climbing terrain. And newbies, just for your information their floor is covered with six inches of padding and soft carpet. You'll be ready for Smith Rock in no time.

For Mountain Bikers

Even though Smith Rock is best known for it's challenging rock climbing, there are plenty of mountain bike opportunities. You can choose from graded gravel paths to steep single tracks. It may be difficult to concentrate on the trails with the beautiful rock formations, deep canyons and green pastures around and below. Although water and restrooms are available, at the trailhead, you'll want to make sure you have a good size water bottle before starting your biking trip at Smith Rock.

For the Hiker

There are loads of hiking trails, from easy to more challenging, for the experienced hiker. Make sure you have water and a hat, to keep the sun off of your head, packed. You are likely to see plenty of wild life. You could see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter, beaver, cotton tails and perhaps an occasional quail or two. Although dogs are allowed, the leash law is strictly enforced. All visitors are required to stay on paths and not wander of their own accord.

For an easy trek at Smith Rock, hike along side the Crooked River as it rounds the base of Monkey face. If you feel like a better workout on the way back you can take a shortcut you can climb to view cliff-edge views of the Cascades.

For all Visitors

Even if your aren't an ardent hiker, not a biker, nor a climber, the scenery alone at Smith Rock is worth the trip. And, the view of colored splotches of climbers moving of the sides of the walled rocks is entertainment in itself.

If you plan to stay the day, remember open fires are prohibited. However, there are designated locations for cooking with propane and white gas stoves. And smoking is only allowed inside your vehicle.

There is a Smith Rock state park fee of $4.00 per day. If you are a local or visit often an annual pass is available for $25.00. The park is open year round, but is best in Spring and Fall. Climbers especially should avoid summer when temperatures can reach 100.

Come visit us in beautiful central Oregon.