Smith Rock State Park

Prepare yourself to experience some of the most magnificent rocks in the country! Considered one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, people from all over the world travel to see Smith Rock State Park. It's filled with natural wonders and outdoor activities to be enjoyed.   

Throughout the park, there are numerous stations with announcements and maps. Additionally, there are several porta-potty locations throughout. The bathrooms are surprisingly well-maintained and clean..There are several water fountains conveniently located throughout the park.

Additionally, there are picnic tables, hot showers, and camping areas available for your use. Please note that we recommend planning well in advance for camping, as it is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

The landscape features towering rocks that reach heights of up to 550 feet. There is a valley with a river running through the entirety of the park which adds a stunning contrast to the burnt orange/red rocks. There are also plenty of trees lining the hike which provides shade through most areas. 

All of which makes visiting a must on your Sunriver vacation.

Smith Rock State Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features

The volcanic activity in the area (millions of years ago!), is what caused the Smith Rock landscape to take form. The ash and debris filled the area and hardened to form rock. Then, the Crooked River seeped into the valley and erosion took its course to make it the dynamic rock formation it is today.

Birdwatchers, biologists, and kids will especially love the wildlife that calls Smith Rock State Park home. During your visit, it’s guaranteed that you will see at least 10 different bird species. It’s also pretty common to spot golden eagles and prairie falcons as they nest here. In the river, you may see river otters and beavers! During our visit, we were fortunate to see two small, adorable river otters enjoying some shade under the large rocks in the water. If you do spot them, make sure to tell your group quickly - they are surprisingly fast swimmers and can quickly get out of sight before you can snap a pic. 

Smith Rock Park is truly an outdoor playground, offering countless recreational activities to enjoy! The park provides a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, slacklining, and rock climbing. Approved tour providers in this area do offer guided tours, so depending on your activity of choice, be sure to check out providers in the area.

Hikes here vary in difficulty from very easy to very difficult. So, depending on your level of experience or desired effort, you can choose the perfect hike for you! It’s a lovely experience, choosing an easy hike and taking a leisurely stroll through the park to enjoy the scenery while still getting those steps in. 

Even for those who aren’t big outdoorsmen, making the trip to this stunning State Park is well worth it! There are various lookout points, even just from the parking lot, that will leave you breathless! 

Getting There

Getting to Smith Rock State Park is pretty easy and self explanatory. Smith Rock State Park is located just North of the Redmond Airport, about a half hour away. Since it’s a very popular State Park, all you have to do is search for it on your GPS and the location on the map will take you straight to the parking lots!

Cost

Upon arrival, ensure you have purchased a Day Use Parking Pass. This will allow you to park your car in the lots until dusk when the park closes. The cost for a pass is $5 and the machines on-site take credit and debit card payments. Alternatively, you can purchase a pass online and print it out prior to your arrival.