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All the United States Oregon Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park

Spectacular volcanic cliffs along the Crooked River invite hiking, rock climbing, and photography.

Terrebonne, Oregon

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slgwv
Looking back at the Crooked River.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Rail fence at the top of the bluff.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Sagebrush and cliffs.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Cliffs on the eastern edge of the park.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Crooked River from the main parking area.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Climbing wall.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
One of the favorite climbing walls.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Trail down from the main parking lot.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Crooked River looking upstream.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Crooked River, looking downstream. Note the flotsam atop the boulder in the middle.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Climber on cliff.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Shadowed hoodoo.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Spires in cliff.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Crooked River.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Precarious silhouetted hoodoo.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
River and trail.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Rock climber on cliff.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Cliffs and placid river.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Spires over the river.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Canada geese perched in the middle of the river.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Canada goose surveying the river.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Cliffs in late afternoon light.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Cliffs in late afternoon light.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Telephoto view of hoodoos atop the cliff.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Hole in the spire.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Looking down to the river.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Footbridge over the Crooked River.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Crooked River through the park.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Trail and split-rail fence from the parking lot.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
Spire above the Crooked River.   slgwv (Atlas Obscura User)
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About

The Crooked River rises in the mountains of central Oregon and flows generally westward, dropping into the deep Crooked River Gorge to join the north-flowing Deschutes near Terrebonne. Just before the Crooked River enters the gorge, it winds placidly among a set of sheer cliffs and towering spires that form the centerpiece of this spectacular state park.

The park is seamed with a network of developed hiking trails, some running parallel to the river. A large footbridge over the river is also present. These trails provide many opportunities for sightseeing, photography, or simply strolling through a natural park. Wildlife observation and photography are also attractions.

Smith Rock State Park is also a popular center for rock climbing, with thousands of routes including over a thousand bolted routes, with difficulties ranging from beginner to extreme. Climbers are a common sight on the cliffs and pinnacles when visiting the park.

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Nature Rock Formations Parks

Know Before You Go

Smith Rock State Park is just east of Terrebonne, Oregon. To get to the main park entrance, turn east off US 97 in Terrebonne onto Smith Rock Way.


This intersection should be signed, but in any case is at about 44.3513 N, 121.1787 W. Go 0.6 miles and turn left on Lambert Rd (a.k.a. NE 1st St.) After about 0.5 mile Lambert Road makes a right-angle bend to the right and becomes NE Wilcox Ave. Continue 1.5 miles to NE Crooked River Rd and turn left. The state park will be visible in front of you, and the parking lot for the park will be on the left in about 0.6 miles.


In general, stay on marked trails. Leashed dogs are allowed, but please clean up after your pet. Mountain bikes, as well as horses, are allowed on the river trails, but horses must cross the river at one of two designated horse fords.


Bring plenty of water as the park can be hot in the summer months with the sun reflecting off the cliffs. Check the park website for current fees and detailed regulations.


Overall the park is focused on day use. There is picnicking but the only camping is walk-in tent camping, "bivouac-style," and is reserved night-to-night only. Check this website for nearby locations for RV camping, as well as for nearby lodging, climbing guide services, and other general information.

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Added By

slgwv

Edited By

Twisted

Published

February 15, 2024

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