About Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park

Recognition Programs

If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you.

The majesty of Smith Rock State Park is unique, even for the high desert of Oregon. The park covers over 650 acres and hovers around 3000 feet in elevation. The major rock faces are welded tuff, or compressed volcanic ash formed 30 million years ago.

There are several thousand climbs in the park. More than a thousand are bolted routes. The towering 350-foot spire of Monkey Face is an icon.

The park also offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otter and beaver. 

Due to the uniqueness and fragile aspect of the park, park rangers enforce the animal leash law and strongly encourage all park users to stay on trails. 

Camping info 

  •  Walk-in bivouac area for tents available March – November (No reservations) 

  •  RV camping, sleeping in vehicles and open fires are not allowed  

Know Before You Go:

  • Be mindful that park services and staffing may be limited, so show your appreciation to staff, abide by park rules and take care to leave spaces clean.

  • Parking can be challenging, especially during the peak season and weekends. Beat the crowds and visit Smith Rock on a weekday.

  • Some climbing areas are closed or have limited access from about Jan. 15 to Aug. 1 to protect golden eagle and falcon nesting areas. Drones are also not allowed during this period. Look for signs at the park showing the closed climbing routes or visit the seasonal closure page.

  • Due to the uniqueness and fragile aspect of the park, park rangers enforce the animal leash law and ask all park users to stay on trails.

Recognition Programs

Reviews & Ratings

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.9/5 TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on 1151 reviews
  • TripAdvisor Rating
    June 15, 2026
    Wisdomof1

    Great park!

    Don't skip this stop! Very nice park with well maintained and well marked trails. So fun to watch all the rock climbers doing their thing!

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    June 15, 2026
    carlotaTravel4fun

    Incredible views not to be missed

    This is an incredible State Park not far from Redmond. There are two parking areas. The first one is to the left when first entering the Park area. Keep driving a little farther down the road to another parking lot that has access to the trail down to the river and canyon. Be sure to buy your day pass and display it on your dashboard. There is a rim trail with views of the canyon and river below. It is a pretty view so if you don’t feel you can take the trail down and back up you can still enjoy a stroll along the rim trail. I would bring binoculars so you can see into the canyon and view the rock climbers below. There are two trails leading down into the canyon. The first one is steps and appears steep,but the steps make it an easy descent. If you keep walking past these steps, there is another trail that is less of a steep descent into the canyon. Both trails come out at the same place. You then cross over a wooden bridge and can take a more challenging trail by walking straight, or turn left for a flat trail along the river. We took the flat path along the river for about two miles and then turned around and headed back. Along the way were incredible views of the jagged rocks, climbers scaling the cliffs, geese and ducks in the river the entire length we walked. We walked as far as the view of “Monkey Face” rock and then turned and went back. The ascent to get out of the canyon is steep no matter which trail you take. It isn’t that long…just take it slow and rest when you need to. You can do it and it is so worth it.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    June 1, 2026
    rickh57

    Such a lovely park

    We came here with some friends for a morning visit. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, so the rocky desert terrain was framed by the blue sky. We watched people climbing the sheer walls of the cliffs -- definitely braver than me! While walking beside the Crooked River, we saw a river otter playing and swimming, the first time I've ever seen one of those in the wild. We were there for several hours. Despite it being a Sunday, it wasn't too crowded. An Oregon State Park day pass (or permit) is required for admission, but it's definitely worth the price.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    January 13, 2026
    GlobalFlavorJourneys

    An Oregon must do!

    Whether you are there to hike, camp or just enjoy the view. This has something for everyone. The hikes can be intense but worth it! There is a day use parking pass $10-13 depending on residency. Don't skip this step. There is a yurt onsite for questions and guides. Take advantage of the staff knowledge - that is why they are there. This can get extremely crowded during nice weather. Go early.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    December 17, 2025
    Diane N

    Breath taking

    Absolutely one of my most favorite places to gike in Oregon. The views are so spectacular. Definitely bring lots of water. I recommended starting early morning less visitors and the sunrise is again speechless

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