Smith Rock State Park

Just come here already! This spot was recommended to us by a local and it did not disappoint. We brought our lunch here and had wonderful lunch overlooking the winding river and rock features. Will definitely be back anytime we are in Bend. It was a bit crowded for parking but once parked people were pretty spread out.

Gorgeous!! You can park and observe this beautiful place from the parking lot. If you have the ability to walk down I highly suggest you do it and walk around the path that is right up against the face of the Rock! the very top is a bit steep but once you make the first Bend if you take the path to the left it's not that difficult. So glad I decided to go down, as you get a totally different perspective down there. I will come back!

Lovely place very near from the highway, with lots of trails for both short hikers, as well as long hikers, for trail runners and for mountain climbers. We reached at noon on one day, parking was very hard to find. I went to some other destinations that day and came for sunrise the following day. Glad I did it that way because the day before was too sunny and the trail is all exposed. Got to see the beautiful sunrise from the top with beautiful snow topped cascade range at the back.

Smith rock state park is one of Oregon stated 7 wonders, and their is no questioning that decision in my book. With multiple trails stretching over the huge park, Smith Rocks trails offer biking routes and mountain climbing. The highest elevation is 3000 feet, which is why it is so widely used by mountain climbers and climbing enthusiasts. That being said Smith Rock boasts over 1000 climbing routes. Their is camping available as well, some spots have hot showers. Their is a wonderful picnic area at the start of the bridge crossing the Crooked River. Smith Rock also has areas available for tightrope walking! This trail is pretty intense, so make sure to bring lots of water, and makes sure you keep an eye on your children and animals.

This is by far the best state park that I've ever been to. It was very clean and serene. Also, the beauty and diversity of agriculture was captivating! Great place for hiking and rock climbing.