National park · United States
Smith Rock State Park
Visit Smith Rock State Park: pay a $5 entry fee, hike the Misery Ridge trail (2 h) in spring or fall, or climb the Monkey Face route (requires guide) in summer; avoid peak heat in July‑August.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
11 km² (4 sq mi)4 sq mi (11 km²)
approximate
Established
1965
Best months
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 11 km² (4 sq mi)4 sq mi (11 km²)
- Approximate; 2,800 acres ≈ 11 km² (check).
- Established
- 1965
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon’s high desert offers world‑class sport climbing on basalt cliffs, short hikes with river views, and a small bivouac area; entry is $5 per vehicle, and the best visiting window is spring (April‑May) and early fall (September‑October) when temperatures are moderate and crowds thin.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1965.
Size and age
11 km² (4 sq mi)4 sq mi (11 km²) · national park since 1965
Approximate; 2,800 acres ≈ 11 km² (check).
Why go
- World‑renowned sport‑climbing crags on dramatic basalt cliffs.
- Scenic hiking with river views and the iconic Monkey Face rock formation.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecAvoid
- JanFreezing nights, limited services.
- FebCold, possible snow.
- MarMild, early spring.
- AprPleasant temps, wildflowers.
- MayLate spring, ideal for climbing.
- JunHeat rises, early summer crowds.
- JulHot (40 °C (104 °F)), dehydration risk.Hot (104 °F (40 °C)), dehydration risk.
- AugVery hot, limited shade.
- SepCooler fall, great climbing.
- OctFall colors, comfortable.
- NovCool, fewer visitors.
- DecCold, some facilities closed.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raptors (e.g., red‑tailed hawk)Mar–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Mule deerApr–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Western rattlesnakeMay–Sep · Watch footing on hot days. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Portland
Drive US‑97 S to Redmond, then follow signs to the park entrance.
3 h
From Bend
Take US‑97 S to Redmond, then local road to the park.
45 min
Open the page →
From Redmond
Follow Highway 126 east to the park turnoff.
15 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center & Parking | Entrance, restrooms, water fountain, souvenir shop. | Open daily, fee payable at kiosk. |
| Bivouac Area | Designated camping spots with showers and hot water. | Pay per person per night. |
| Skull Hollow Campground | Free primitive site, no water, no reservations. | First‑come, first‑served. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Oregon State Parks site; approximate for orientation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (vehicle) | US$5 | vehicle | Check current rate on official site. |
| Bivouac camping | US$5 | person | Per day, limited facilities. |
| Skull Hollow campground | Free | vehicle | Free, no water. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Climbing guide (for certain routes) no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$5
- US$5
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Oregon State Parks – Smith Rock State Park before you go.
Park rules
- Dogs
- Leashed at all times; no off‑leash areas.
- Fires
- Allowed only at Skull Hollow; bring your own wood.
- Camping
- Only in designated bivouac or Skull Hollow areas; no backcountry camping.
- Climbing
- Follow park safety signage; use helmets and appropriate gear.
- Litter
- Pack out all trash; use provided bins at the visitor center.
Where to stay
Near the park
Redmond hotels and motels
Range of budget to mid‑range lodging, ~15 mi north of park.
Near the park
Bend accommodations
More options, ~30 mi south of park.
Safety
Heat medium
Cold nights low
Rockfall low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor Center and parking are wheelchair accessible.
- Trails vary; Misery Ridge has some steep sections, not fully accessible.
Visiting lightly
- Use reusable water bottles; refill at park fountains.
- Stay on established trails to protect desert flora.
- Support local businesses in Redmond and Bend.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Smith Rock State Park?
Entry is $5 per vehicle; check the Oregon State Parks website for current rates.
What are the best hikes in Smith Rock State Park?
Misery Ridge (moderate, 2 h) and the Crooked River Walk (easy, 1 h) are popular; Monkey Face viewpoint is a short walk.
When is the best time to visit Smith Rock State Park?
Late spring (April‑May) and early fall (September‑October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Can I camp inside the park?
Yes, at the bivouac area ($5 per person per day) or free at Skull Hollow campground (no water, no firewood).
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed on leashes throughout the park, including trails and campgrounds.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Smith Rock State Park
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