GPS Coordinates: 44.3682459, -121.1405814

​REGIONS > CENTRAL OREGON

Located approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) north of Redmond, Smith Rock is a striking 3,200-foot (980 m) volcanic formation. The sheer cliff-face is not only one of the most photographed spots in Oregon, it’s a popular recreation site, especially for hikers, campers, mountain bikers and rock climbers. 

The Crooked River, a tributary of the Deschutes River, runs along the western and southern perimeter of the formation and provides fishing, paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities. It provides cool refuge in a desert environment that receives up to three hundred days of sun per year, and where daytime temperatures can exceed 100°F (37°C) during the height of summer.

Along either side of the river, through the park’s numerous canyons, are hundreds of hiking trails. “Bivoac camping,” or camping that occurs outside of a designated campground, is allowed throughout the park and can help enhance a backpacking experience.

​But the real allure of Smith Rock is the rock itself. Climbers flock to the area throughout the year. There are nearly one thousand bolt climbs (in rock climbing, this is a permanent anchor fixed into a hole drilled in the rock as a form of climbing protection) throughout the park, and they can range greatly in difficulty and duration. To learn more about this and other park features, visit the park’s official website or watch the video below.

See our EXPERIENCE page for additional information on how to prepare for your next outdoor adventure. 

Related Features:

Landmark Place: High Desert Museum: The High Desert Museum uses elements of both the natural and cultural history to provide a holistic examination of what the area looked like in the past and what challenges are ahead for a sustainable future.

​Let's Skateboard: Join Gordon Boehm and his students at the Bearings Skateboarding Academy in Bend, Oregon, for this look at getting started with skateboarding.

Exploring the Smith Rock Area:

Representative Species for the Smith Rock Area:

Suggested Activities for Smith Rock: