Smith Rock State Park — Attraction in Redmond

Probably in my top three favorite places in Oregon (having grown-up in this state). The hiking and climbing is breathtaking and quirky at the same time, and I have so many happy memories here, and would recommend it for anyone, and if interested in climbing, there are many excellent local climbing guide services for all skill levels. Also, fun fact, Smith is known as the birthplace of modern sport climbing, but the majority of the routes are actually trad routes, (there is also quite a bit of bouldering as well) and actually has a lot of really cool history (including an extremely challenging route, (which I have definitely not done) called chain reaction, a formidable overhanging 5.12c, which is actually the route depicted on the front of Cliff bars!). Some of the hardest routes of all time are here, which have seen few repeat ascents.

A few recommendations, my favorite hike trail is the full loop which follows down the river trail, and then back up and over misery Ridge. A heads up, there are rattlesnakes, so keep your ears out, and unlike the maps tends to show, there actually isn’t an official trail up and over Asterix’s pass (snoopie head), and WOULD NOT recommend bringing kids up and over there, or anyone not extremely comfortable with sketchy rock-climbing without ropes.

Climbing wise, the rock here at Smith is very unique, and is mostly welded tuff, a rough conglomerate type of rock that is kind of like rough sandstone mixed with chunks of other kinds of rock, so is famous for its deceptively stable pebble like “nubbins”, sticking out of the face and the routes are known to get harder overtime as some of the less stable nubbins disappear. Be warned that well unique, and beloved by a strong local climbing community which is welcoming, the rock climbing itself at Smith is known to be quite tough for the grade, and have surprisingly long pitches (many are a good 50’+, so please read the description of each, carefully, as a 30 m rope won’t work for everything). Also, there are some gorgeous 5+ pitch routes) and not everyone’s cup of tea (I love it, as this is where I really learned how to rock climb), but be prepared to get your butt kicked every now and then. Additionally, there is the more typical and solid edges of basalt at what is called northern point, and as there is a higher concentration, easier routes there (as well as some wildly hard ones!) is a really approachable place to take beginners, and the routes aren’t quite as tall as a lot of the others on the main walls (around 30-40’), and a lot of the routes can be set up quickly through a top rope, which isn’t really an option for routes at most other locations at the park. For me, the real adventure begins when you venture out from Northern point to the wilds of the tuff. Be warned that many of the routes around Smith are actually quite remote, and can take a good 45+ minutes to get out to, so please plan to use lead no trace principles, and be very safety conscious, as last travel areas would be a lot harder to get help at. I would highly recommend picking up a guidebook, and exploring beyond the most popular and crowded dihedral area, as there are so many gems that just take a little bit of extra walking (which isn’t bad as it’s so pretty there. I would encourage checking out some of the farther areas like the marsupials, for really creative routes, which also have the bonus no line. Another heads up, it does get quite hot in the summer (not usual to get over 100°), so it is wise to go earlier in the day, and or plan around where there is shade, as it can really heat up like an oven starting about 11 AM until evening time!). Overall, this was guaranteed being an in venture to visit, and will likely have a special place in your...

Visited Smith Rock State Park Wednesday 6/17/2020. Bathrooms are open from 10am to 5pm, be aware there are only two stalls for the ladies restroom. There is a porta-john next to the middle lot, but it was pretty dang full when I used it in the am and wouldn't want to use it in the afternoon. There are three parking lots, but you have to get here pretty early to make it into the first two lots. I believe we arrived around 8am. The middle lot was a quarter full and the other two only had a few cars. We did a car to car hike. When we went to pick up the car from Smith Rock it was about 1pm and it looked like all the lots we're almost full. Not much practice of social distancing here when it is crowded and hardly anyone is wearing a mask in dense crowds; like bathroom areas and such. Handicap parking is available as well as 4+, 15min parking spaces. I know for sure you can fit large RVs in the lower lot and possibly the very first lot in the park.

We saw maybe 30+ people in the am when we arrived and on the trails and maybe a 100+ when we went back to grab the car.

The climbers bivy is closed probably due to Covid as well as misery ridge and another small trail we saw. Some small trails were closed towards Burma road due to eagle nesting.

The trails are in great conditions and the park is beautiful as usual, a must see space if you are in the area or contemplating a trip. Great for children and the paths are paved until the bridge for wheel chair accessibility.

$5/day $30/year pass $50/2 years pass Make sure you purchase a pass. Although the information center is closed rangers are working and I'm sure they are checking cars for proof of parking purchase.

We hiked Burma road from the middle lot to east of Grey Butte as a car to car hike. 7.85 miles with 1658ft...

Smith Rock State Park is nothing short of a majestic wonderland, where the beauty of nature reaches new heights—both literally and figuratively. As I ventured through the park, I was immediately struck by the towering cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and the vibrant colors of the landscape that seem to pulse with energy. The serenity of the environment was palpable, and you could truly feel the high vibration of the Earth resonating all around.

The sounds of nature enveloped me; the gentle rush of the Crooked River, the whispering wind through the trees, and the distant calls of birds all created a symphony that harmonized beautifully with the rugged scenery. Each step felt like a connection to something greater, a reminder of the raw, unfiltered power of the natural world.

However, my experience was somewhat tempered by the number of visitors in the park. Regrettably, the trails were bustling with people, which made it challenging to fully immerse myself in the tranquil atmosphere that I had hoped to find. While it’s wonderful to see so many people appreciating the beauty of Smith Rock, it sometimes felt overwhelming, detracting from the intimate connection one might seek in such a stunning location.

In spite of the crowds, the majesty of Smith Rock State Park shines through. It’s a place that invites you to breathe deeply, explore, and connect with the elements. I look forward to returning, perhaps during a quieter time, to truly absorb the high vibrations and beauty that this incredible park...