Explore Breathtaking River Canyons At This State Park Known As One Of Oregon's Seven Wonders

Whether you're planning to visit Crater Lake, take in the beautiful Pacific Northwest coastline on this road trip route, or discover one of Oregon's most enchanting state park lakes with Switzerland-like views, "The Beaver State" is chock-full of opportunities to get out in nature. With so much beauty, a place really has to stand out to join the ranks of "The Seven Wonders of Oregon." Yet, Smith Rock State Park can hold its own against any of the stunning natural places in Oregon.

Situated about 35 minutes outside Bend, along the winding Crooked River, Smith Rock State Park is known for its towering, jagged rock formations that look straight out of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." As a result of volcanic eruptions and natural weathering processes, the cliffs and spires create an eerily beautiful landscape dotted by tufts of purple sage and lone ponderosa pines. Perched 3,000 feet above sea level, this high desert state park occupies 650 acres and offers hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, a visitors' center, and more. 

With almost 2,000 climbing routes, it's no wonder Smith Rock State Park is a top destination for rock climbers. It's also considered the birthplace of sport climbing in the U.S. However, you can find several trad multi-pitch routes that will challenge your route-finding abilities. In terms of difficulty, there's something for novices all the way up to professionals. For example, Monkey Face, a 350-foot spire that looks like (you guessed it) a monkey face, has two of the most challenging climbs in the world, while Lollypop League is a good choice for novice sport climbers.

However, if rock climbing isn't your cup of tea, try hitting the trails, which compare to any of the most beautiful hikes in Oregon. Although the park boasts 12 trails, Misery Ridge Trail Loop is one of the main draws. As the name implies, this hike is not for the faint of heart. At 3.7 miles long, the loop starts with a 600-foot elevation gain and takes approximately two hours. However, the panorama from the ridge is worth the climb, featuring views of the entire park and the chance to get up close and personal with Monkey Face rock. For a more moderate trail, try the 1.5-mile-long Canyon Trail, which is dog-friendly and takes you along the river, or try the Rim Rock Trail, which is only half a mile long and offers incredible views of the park. 

While the park is beautiful year-round, keep in mind that the temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The best time to visit Smith Rock State Park is September and October when the leaves turn golden brown, complementing the canyons' red and orange hues. During fall, the temperatures are moderate and there's little rainfall, creating an ideal environment for hikers, climbers, and campers.

Smith Rock State Park only offers walk-in, tent-only camping. These sites are available between late spring and late fall, and include showers, toilets, and a communal sink area with 12 sockets for charging your devices. RVs, sleeping in your car, fires, off-leash pets, and smoking aren't allowed. As you can see, these sites come with the bare basics, but you get to wake up with incredible views of the cliffs every morning. If you're looking for a campsite with more amenities, stay at Crooked River Ranch, which is about 20 minutes from the park and has RV sites, a seasonal swimming pool, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. 

A note about safety: make sure to bring more water than you think you need, especially if you're hiking or climbing during the summer. In addition, we recommend avoiding the trails around midday during the summer months. Finally, keep an eye out for western rattlesnakes. They often bask in the sun on the trails, so it's important to watch where you're stepping and avoid wandering off the marked trails.