“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.
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Smith Rocks does have something for everyone. You’re right – it is hot and dry in the summer. Good advice on bringing plenty of water!
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Thanks. Smith Rock is just a wonderful place to explore 😊
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This looks amazing! Thank you so much for the service you do through this blog. God richly bless you dear!
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Thank you! 😊
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You are most welcome! ❤️
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Great place for hiking! Love how you wrote it and the photos are just perfect!
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Thank you! It’s a cool place to hike. 😊
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Bel, I’ve enjoyed reading your thoughts on some well loved hikes. Central Oregon is such a treasure and I’m glad to hear you love it like I do. Great advice too on what’s needed. Far too many are unprepared. Well done!☀️
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Thank you! You are right. Oregon is such a treasure and there’s so much to explore. I really fell in love with it 😍
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Nice work, Bel! Lots of good advice without droning on. The simplicity and succinctness of this post makes me want to include a trip to Smith Rock when we visit friends in Bend in the near future. Thanks.
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Thank you! I try to keep it short and straight to the point. Check out Benham Falls too if you’re going to Bend. It’s pretty awesome 😊
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Gorgeous!
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Thank you! 😊
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The last time I went to Smith Rock to boulder it was almost 90 degrees, so beautiful but sooooo hot! Looks like you had a great visit, love the photos.
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I had a great visit and the weather was great. Loved it! Thank you 😊
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This is awesome. This place is definitely on the wishlist! Safe travels friend.
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It really is a great place. Thank you! 😊
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There are some great tips here! It’s always so daunting to think about doing a serious hike, but this is makes me feel more prepared!
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You’re welcome! I also wrote about hiking for first timers if you want more information. Glad this helped! 😊
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Reblogged this on My Liked Blogs.
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Thank you 😊
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I truly enjoyed discovering Smith Rock through your eyes. Thank you for sharing.
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I’m really glad you liked it! Thank you so much 😊
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I’d never heard of Smith Rock until today. Thanks for enlightening me.
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You’re welcome! It’s definitely a beautiful place 😊
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Was just there in April and it is as awesome as you describe.
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Yes, I was pretty much amazed and it wasn’t even out of the way…I’m glad you enjoyed it as well 😊
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Very clean shots. Makes me want to take a trip to the Smith rock state park.
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Thank you! You definitely should 😊
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Beautiful pictures! Really like how you document your trips – thanks for sharing!
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Thank you 😊 Glad you liked it!
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Stunning photos! 💛
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Thank you 😊
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Wild place! Useful tips! Happy traveling!
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Thank you 😊
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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!
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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. 😊
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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!
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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. 😊
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Nice post with lovely pictures
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Thank you 😊
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Love love love this, amazing pictures
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Thank you Chloe! 😊
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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!
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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 😊
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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.
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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 😊
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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!
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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! 😊
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Great quote
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Thanks 😊
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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…😊
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I haven’t explored the state at all, can plan to start 😀 There’s so much to see!
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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 😂
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Beautiful! Thanks for sharing😊
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Thanks for taking time to read! Truly appreciated 😊
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Beautiful place! You are right, it does look like a painting!!
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Yeah I was expecting it to be taken away from me 😂 It’s really stunning!
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🙂 yes it is!
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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.
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Oh no! Sorry to hear that Fred. You should definitely come back because it really is worth it…
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I love the photos. I will have to visit there when we are in the area. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you! You definitely should include it in your itinerary. 😂
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It is such an awesome park to visit, and the views on a clear day are awesome!
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I was totally blown away…😊
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Amazing pictures (and great info)! I may just need to head West now
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Thank you! You really have to head west – so much to explore! You would love it 😊
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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.
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Thank you! It is so pretty out there and it seems like a world away from reality. 😊
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