Smith Rock State ParkAbout Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is a state-managed park in central Oregon recognised for its sheer volcanic cliffs, river-cut canyon and rock-climbing reputation. The park’s cliffs of welded tuff and basalt form steep faces that are popular with climbers, hikers and photographers.
A dense concentration of single- and multi-pitch climbing routes across a range of difficulties makes the park a major destination for sport and trad climbers. In addition to climbing, visitors use rim and river trails to access viewpoints, the Crooked River and distinctive rock formations such as the freestanding spire known as the Monkey Face.
The area’s use has evolved from local recreation to an internationally known climbing destination while remaining a protected state park with trail infrastructure and visitor facilities. Management balances conservation of the canyon environment with recreation and climbing access.
The park lies in central Oregon near the towns of Terrebonne and Redmond, on the eastern side of the Cascade Range, with the Crooked River running through the park’s canyon.
- Climbing note: Best known internationally for its rock climbing; take appropriate safety gear or hire local guides for multi-pitch routes.
- When to go: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and climbing; summer can be hot on exposed rock faces.
What to See#
- Monkey Face: A distinctive freestanding rock tower and popular multi-pitch objective with bolted sport and traditional routes that is a visual landmark within the park.
- Crooked River Canyon: The canyon carved by the Crooked River that forms the park’s central gorge and river-level trails offering close views of the cliffs.
- Misery Ridge trail: A steep rim trail that leads to panoramic viewpoints over the canyon and rock faces, commonly used by hikers and photographers.
Best Time to Visit Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park-famed for its volcanic spires and climbing routes-is best in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and climbing conditions are ideal.
Weather & Climate near Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 5° | -3° | 34 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 8° | -1° | 23 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 12° | 2° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -1° - 16° | 5° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 20° | 11° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 6° - 25° | 15° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 8° - 29° | 18° | 14 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 7° - 30° | 18° | 16 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 25° | 14° | 14 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 0° - 19° | 8° | 20 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -2° - 10° | 1° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 6° | -3° | 38 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is about 10 miles (16 km) north of Redmond and 4 miles (6 km) east of Terrebonne, Oregon, off US-97A. From Bend, it is roughly a 45-55 minute drive. There is a main parking area near the park entrance; park signage directs visitors to trailheads and climbing access points.
Tips for Visiting Smith Rock State Park
- Start at dawn to catch the first light on the volcanic towers and to avoid afternoon winds that make sport climbing busier.
- Bring a topo map or download route beta for the popular Misery Ridge and River Trail loops; some climbs are unmarked.
- If rock climbing, respect seasonal closures for nesting raptors and follow Leave No Trace practices-bolts and old hardware can be variable.