Adventure Awaits at Smith Rock, Oregon!
- WTI
- May 15
- 3 min read
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"Tucked away in the high desert of Central Oregon and rising dramatically from the earth, Smith Rock is majestically awe-inspiring."
Hey, adventure seekers! I'm so excited for you to join me at my favorite spot in Oregon—a place where stone meets sky. Tucked away in the high desert of Central Oregon and rising dramatically from the earth, Smith Rock is majestically awe-inspiring.
The Birthplace of American Sport Climbing
They say Smith Rock is the birthplace of American sport climbing, but don't despair if you're not a climber—this park isn't just for those who want to scale rock faces. My husband and I love to hike, and we've traversed all but one of the trails here. The towering cliffs of welded tuff and basalt keep us coming back year after year. Walking the same paths never gets old!
Must-Do Hikes at Smith Rock
1. Misery Ridge Trail
One of our favorite (and most popular) trails is Misery Ridge. Don't be put off by its name—it is difficult, but it's absolutely worth doing. Just take your time and as many breaks as you need.
Pro Tip:
- Hike early in the morning to beat the intense sun on that side of the rock face.
- Wear good hiking shoes—parts of the trail have stairs and loose stones.
- Bring plenty of water—it gets hot!
Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with unforgettable views of the valley, the mountain range, and you'll pass the legendary Monkey Face formation. From there, you can join the Mesa Verde Trail and complete the 4-mile loop back to the footbridge.
For a detailed trail map, check out the Smith Rock State Park official site.
2. River Trail (For a More Relaxed Stroll)
If you want something less intense but still beautiful, take the River Trail to the west (located across the footbridge). We love stopping to watch the climbers along Picnic Lunch Wall, Morning Glory, and other famous routes.
Bonus Stop: After passing the Christian Brothers Wall, you'll come across the Balanced Boulder. You can hike up to it on a partially steep trail—it makes for a fun photo op (don't worry, my husband didn't actually try to push it over!).
For more climbing route details, visit Mountain Project's Smith Rock guide.
Wildlife & Seasonal Closures
One of the coolest things about Smith Rock is its amazing variety of raptors. You might spot bald eagles, falcons, and more soaring above the cliffs.
Important Note:
Some climbing areas may be closed seasonally due to bird nesting. Always check the park's official alerts page before heading out (though main hiking trails remain open).
On one of our trips, we were lucky enough to witness falcons nesting along the cliff face—an incredible sight!
Park Logistics
- Park Pass/Fee: If you don't have an Oregon State Park pass, there's a fee to enter (pay at the kiosks in the parking area). Get pass info here.
- Restrooms: There are two main restrooms:
1. Down the Chute Trail (just before the footbridge).
2. Along the River Trail (underneath Morning Glory climbing wall).
For real-time weather conditions, check NOAA's Smith Rock forecast.
Gear Recommendations
Before you go, make sure you're prepared! Here are some of my favorite hiking essentials:
- Sturdy Hiking Gear: bring some hiking boots, and pants.
- Sun Protection: make sure to bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
Final Thoughts
Pictures and videos don't do justice to the majesty of this natural wonder. Every time I visit, I leave changed.
Have you been to Smith Rock? Let me know your favorite trail or climbing spot in the comments!
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