Smith Rock State Park
The birthplace of modern sport climbing in the United States, with the Crooked River winding below ochre-red tuff cliffs and some of Oregon's best hiking viewpoints.
Smith Rock sits in Terrebonne, about 40 km north of Bend. The gorge is made of volcanic tuff and basalt and has over a thousand climbing routes. Since the 1980s it has been regarded as the birthplace of sport climbing in America, and its iconic "Monkey Face" rock spire draws the most attention. You don't have to climb to enjoy it. The river-canyon trails are gentle and easy to walk, while the "Misery Ridge" trail climbs about 300 meters steeply. From the top you can look down on the river bend and the distant Cascade peaks. The loop is about 6 km. A day-use parking pass costs about US$5, and the lot often fills early on weekends. In summer, watch out for heat and rattlesnakes.
Opening hours
Open all day (daytime access)
Nearby sights
- Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
- Steelhead Falls
- The Cove Palisades State Park
- Tumalo State Park
- Deschutes River Trail
- Pilot Butte
- Drake Park & Mirror Pond
- Old Mill District