Smith Rock State Park, located in central Oregon, is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its stunning rock formations and scenic beauty. Nestled along the banks of the Crooked River, this iconic park spans over 650 acres and offers visitors an array of outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, fishing, kayaking, biking and paddleboarding.
About Smith Rock State Park
The park’s main attraction is its striking volcanic tuff and basalt cliffs, which tower above the river and provide a dramatic backdrop for hikers, rock climbers, and nature enthusiasts alike. The towering cliffs are a popular destination for climbers from around the world, offering a variety of routes and challenges for all skill levels.
Aside from rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including desert-like terrain, lush meadows, and shady canyons. The most famous trail is the Misery Ridge Trail, a challenging ascent that rewards hikers with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the park and the surrounding high desert.
Directions to Smith Rock
Smith Rock State Park is located in central Oregon and is situated approximately 26 miles northeast of Bend, Oregon, and about 8 miles northeast of Redmond, Oregon. The park’s address is 9241 NE Crooked River Dr, Terrebonne, OR 97760.
Parking and Permit
Hours: The park is open from sunup to sundown everyday of the year.
No permits or reservations are required for most visits to the park, except for special events. Each parking lot charges a $5 day use fee per parking space, and credit cards are accepted at all locations. You can also grab a $30 annual pass as well at the welcome center.
Parking spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and they tend to fill up rapidly, particularly during holidays, weekends, and the summer season.
Hiking Trails at Smith Rock
There’s a few hiking trails at Smith Rock to pick from that have varying levels of difficulty. All the trials here allow dogs as long as they are leashed. You may get a ticket for $147 if they catch them off lease or out-of-control.
1. Misery Ridge and River Trail
This is one of the most popular trails because of its sweeping views. It’s a 3.5-mile loop trail located near Terrebonne, Oregon. The terrain and elevation is challenging at first but then levels off after a mile and typically takes around 2 hours to finish. Expect to encounter fellow hikers along the way, as this area tends to have more traffic.
2. Crooked River Trail
The Crooked River trail is a 4.5 mile, there-and-back route and has a lot of overlap with the Misery Ridge loop but none of the elevation which makes it significantly easier. You can also enjoy great views of the Crooked River and may see some climbers as you hiking around the bend.
3. Misery Ridge Trail
If you want the pretty views from Misery Ridge but don’t want to go all the way around the Crooked River you can take the Misery Ridge Trail by itself. This makes it 2.2-miles in total as a there-and-back vs. the 3.5-mile loop that adds in the river trail. You can expect it to take about an 1 hour and 49 min to complete.
4. Wolf Tree Trail
The wolf tree trail is a 2.7-mile out-and-back trail that is an easy route in the park, it takes an average of 1 h 12 min to complete. Instead of taking a left toward the crooked river on the river trail you’ll go right. It does have some elevation at the very end which can be skipped by turning back early if needed. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
5. Canyon Trail and Homestead Trail
The Canyon Trail and Homestead Trail are another easy set that form a 1.5-mile loop and it takes an average of 40 min to complete. It runs parallel to the Wolf Tree trail on the opposite side of the river for the first stretch and provides some good views of the Crooked river.
Wildlife at Smith Rock State Park
Wildlife is abundant in the park, and visitors may encounter golden eagles, river otters, mule deer, and a variety of bird species while exploring the trails. The Crooked River, with its clear waters, provides excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the park offers picnic areas and ample spots for birdwatching and photography. Camping facilities are available within the park, allowing visitors to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Fun Facts about Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock and central Oregon has been used as a shooting location for several hollywood movies including:
- “Wild” (2004)
- “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993)
- “The Postman” (1997)
- “Swordfish” (2001)
- “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” (1993)
- “Rooster Cogburn” (1975)
There’s a sign at the beginning of trail to mark it as one of the locations on the Oregon film trail.
Whatever you decide to do in the park it’s worth a trip. With its captivating rock formations, picturesque landscapes, and diverse outdoor activities, Smith Rock State Park stands as a cherished gem in Oregon’s outdoor recreation offerings, drawing in nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers from near and far.
Frequently Asked Questions
DAY USE FEES OF $5 TO PARK AT SMITH ROCK STATE PARK ARE REQUIRED YEAR-ROUND. THEY ARE CHARGED PER VEHICLE, WITH THREE FEE STATIONS AVAILABLE. The main fee station is just past the yurt Welcome Center.
There is no set maximum for vehicle lengths but the park does ask that RV’s, buses and trailers park in the RV/Overflow lot or use parallel parking as opposed to taking up multiple spaces.
Terrebonne, Oregon is the closest town to Smith Rock State Park. It’s about 6 minutes or 3.3 miles west of the park.
Showers, restrooms and common cooking area are located by the parking area of Smith Rock State Park. There are also bathrooms at the bottom of the hill just before the river trail starts.
For both hiking and climbing the park is best in Spring and Fall. It’s also beautiful in the summertime but the hot temperature can make the harder hikes more difficult to complete.
