“I am learning everyday to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.” – Tracee Ellis Ross
Smith Rock State Park is approximately 40 minutes away from Bend, Oregon. It is also a very popular State Park drawing huge crowds throughout the year. From rock climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, and tourist who want to explore the natural beauty this place offers. It’s pretty easy to get to and if you’re traveling solo like me it’s not as isolated as other places.
As soon as I got off the car I literally felt it was all too unreal. It’s like staring into a beautiful painting. I was just standing there for at least 10 minutes without moving and simply taking it all in.
This is also a place I’d highly recommend if you’re bringing the entire family. The trails are wide and well marked. You’d have to try really hard to get lost. There are many different hikes that are rated from easy to difficult. If you’re aiming for a difficult hike try the Misery Ridge Trail with switchbacks to keep your blood pumping. The easiest trail would be the Rim Rock Trail which is around .5 miles and provides amazing views along the Canyon Ridge.
I really wish I could have stayed longer and explored it more but time isn’t always on my side. I also want to add that even if it was crowded, every single person I met was polite, nice, and friendly. I really enjoyed this park and who knows maybe someday I’ll get to visit it again.
Bel’s Tips for this trip
1. Day use permit is required and cost $5/vehicle. This is available at the kiosk in the parking lot area.
2. Come early if you want to avoid large crowds.
3. Bring food especially if you plan on spending the entire day there.
4. Don’t forget to bring enough water. Stay hydrated. Depending on the season it does get hot. Put sunscreen on and wear a cap.
5. Bring your hiking poles. If you want to go down all the way to the river because getting back up is a challenge. Please check out the link below.
Disclosure: Please be aware I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no additional cost to you. Please read Amazon Affiliate Disclosure and Affiliate Disclosure
5. Wear hiking shoes with good traction
For Women
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot,Quarry/Cool Wave,7 M US
For Men
Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot, Cordovan/Squash, 11 D US
6. The roads are paved and accessible to any kind of vehicle. There is a gas station that is a few miles away from the state park.
Please feel free to ask questions or comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Kindly follow me on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn which is found at the bottom of my webpage. If you’d like to check out my website for complete outdoor gears please visit https://www.nothingbutgears.com
Was just there in April and it is as awesome as you describe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I was pretty much amazed and it wasn’t even out of the way…I’m glad you enjoyed it as well 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very clean shots. Makes me want to take a trip to the Smith rock state park.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! You definitely should 😊
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures! Really like how you document your trips – thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊 Glad you liked it!
LikeLike
Stunning photos! 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wild place! Useful tips! Happy traveling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
Hi Bel, you have a great blog here. Your photos are stunning and I really like the way you begin each post with a quote. If I ever make it to the US, I’ll know where to go. Happy travelling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Karen! Thanks so much for your comment. The kind words are truly appreciated. I hope you make it to the US and visit the places I wrote about. 😊
LikeLike
I can view Smith Rock from my backyard and love your description of the park. Anyone planning on visiting should have good traction shoes/boots, as our yearly injury rate seems to be increasing exponentially and visitors should also be wary of rattlesnakes on these trails, like in most rocky Central Oregon areas, as we’ve had some near misses recently – thank goodness it was a “dry bite”! Parking can be a bear during peak hours but I’m glad you were met with friendly faces. It really is an amazing place. The rock colors are amazing in different lights!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. You’re so lucky. Yeah, snakes are so common in places where I hike that I almost stepped on one by accident. I bet sunrise or sunset would be a great time to visit the park as well. Thanks so much for your comment. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice post with lovely pictures
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
Love love love this, amazing pictures
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Chloe! 😊
LikeLike
Gorgeous! Our son is through hiking the PCT and he is sending back the most beautiful pictures. He is a few days into Oregon now.
Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh that’s cool! I’ve hiked some PCT trails along California and it’s truly amazing. I’m sure he’s having the time of his life 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s amazing!! We will have to visit there. We had planned on riding up in Oregon (dirtbikes) but have not yet been. I didn’t even know there were formations like that in Oregon. Then again, I have only been to Oregon twice.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Marianne! You totally should visit Smith Rock State Park! I love the idea of riding up in Oregon on dirtbikes – that sounds like a lot of fun 😊 There is so much to explore in Oregon – I’d have to visit several times or just live there to see it all 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you again for the recommendation. We honestly would have never known about it had you not written about it : ) We look forward to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. Glad I could help and please let me know what you think of it once you visit. I’d love to know…happy travels! 😊
LikeLike
Great quote
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks 😊
LikeLike
Wow. What a cool place. It looks more like something I’d picture in the Rockie’s. I’m going to be near Bend in about 2 weeks. Looks like a place to visit. Thanks for the great pictures and the info on the trails, Bel. Happy Travels.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Diana! Yes, you have to see this place it’s really amazing. I’m also writing (hopefully in 2 weeks) about Benham falls – if you haven’t, please add it to the itinerary…it’s also close to Bend, Oregon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are going to visit some falls around Bend, but I’m not sure this one is on the list. I’ll look it up!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so excited for you even if I know you lived there for a while. I really fell in love with Oregon – I would totally move there…😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t explored the state at all, can plan to start 😀 There’s so much to see!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! I’m sure you’d love it as much as I did – I need more time and a whole lot of money to explore it all 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for taking time to read! Truly appreciated 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful place! You are right, it does look like a painting!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah I was expecting it to be taken away from me 😂 It’s really stunning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 yes it is!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! I went up there for the solar eclipse. That park was closed and there was thick smoke from forest fires in the area. Lot of other areas were closed too. I’m jealous you were able to see it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh no! Sorry to hear that Fred. You should definitely come back because it really is worth it…
LikeLike
I love the photos. I will have to visit there when we are in the area. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! You definitely should include it in your itinerary. 😂
LikeLike
It is such an awesome park to visit, and the views on a clear day are awesome!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was totally blown away…😊
LikeLike
Amazing pictures (and great info)! I may just need to head West now
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you! You really have to head west – so much to explore! You would love it 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
You got some nice shots! I have been there a couple times and it is a great place. It is always nice to see how others enjoy the area.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you! It is so pretty out there and it seems like a world away from reality. 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people