Smith Rock is for sure one of my favorite places in Central Oregon, I just love hiking there. It is so beautiful, if you walk along the river or hike to the top. I remember the first time going there it was just breathtaking, you just don’t expect to find something like this around here.
Smith Rock became world famous in the mid-1980s as a rock climbing destination and offers routes for beginning to expert climbers. Hiking is great there as well, make sure you have the right footwear and don’t underestimate how warm/hot it can get there in the summer, so don’t forget to bring water and a snack. I personally love hiking Misery ridge, it’s a workout for sure 😉 trekking poles can help for balance as well as an assist in powering up the 600–foot elevation gain. They also help a bum knee on the way down.
Dogs are allowed on leash. Also don’t forget climbing is very technical and dangerous, and proper instruction is critical.
Along your trip though the canyon, you might see gold eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver.
A day-use parking permit is required year-round. You may purchase a daily permit from one of the green vending machines along the park road. Twelve-month and 24-month permits are sold at the Smith Rock welcome center, at major state park offices and by selected area merchants.
I hope you will check it out, if you haven’t yet, it is sure worth it.
