If you enjoy scenic views of deep river canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. There are several thousand climbs in the park. More than a thousand are bolted routes. We also offer 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.
Note: 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 on smithrock.com (this page link opens in a new window and the page isn't managed by Oregon State Parks).
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.
A project is planned to build a new visitor center and improve parking, traffic flow and some trails. This project is scheduled for construction winter 2025 through fall 2026. Parking availability will be reduced during construction.
General obligation bonds approved by the 2021 Oregon Legislature will fund the project. Learn more
Camping is open early spring through late fall, as weather allows.
Permits are often required for commercial filming and photography. Please contact the park manager at 541-548-7501 to determine if you will need a permit.
Their are many climbing outfitter/guide services that operate at Smith Rock. An internet search or phone book reference will provide contact information. Park Staff does not provide referrals or specific climbing information.
Yes, go to smithrock.com
Camping permits are available at the fee station located at the entrance to the Bivouac camping area. Camping fees are $8.00 per person per night.
Camp fires are not permitted year round due to the dry high desert climate at the park.
County rules prohibit sleeping in your vehicle at Smith Rock State Park.
USFS Skull Hollow Campground
Located 9 miles NE of Smith Rock State Park on Lone Pine Road
Open seasonally, March 15th - November 15th (weather permitting)
70 standard campsites, no hookups or dumping facilities, no drinking water, on-site campground host.
No, camping is on a first come first serve basis only.
Climbing route closures for the protection of nesting birds of prey are common at Smith Rock but typically affect lesser used climbing areas. Please look for posted closures on informational kiosks in the park and for signs at the closure sites.
The Park is open from dawn to dusk (30 minutes prior to sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset).
After dusk, use of park day use facilities or property is prohibited.
Some (not all) reasons/concerns for the enforcement of this existing rule:
a. Illegal camping including illegal campfires in high fire season.
b. Lack of park staff and resources to manage the use.
c. Limited emergency response resources.
12 month and 24 month Annual passes are sold at the park's Welcome Center during scheduled hours of operation (hours vary). Annual passes are also available at Terrebonne Thriftway in Terrebonne, or online at www.oregonstateparks.org
Permits are often required for special events. Please contact the Park Manager or Park Ranger at 541-548-7501 to see if you will need a permit.
Weddings groups of no more than 50 people can reserve the North Point Amphitheater space by calling the park office at 541-548-7501 extension 1, and leaving a message. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance beginning at 6am.
The Welcome Center hours are posted at the park monthly and vary depending on visitation levels, holidays, events and available volunteer staffing.
The park was obtained between 1960 and 1975 by purchase and gifts of land from the city of Redmond and Harry and Diane Kem. Many believe that Smith Rock is named in honor of John Smith a Linn County lawman or Pvt. Volk Smith a soldier who fell to his death in the park during a battle with the Northern Paiute in 1863. The Debate Continues...