Nature's Cathedral in Morning's Light:

Sightseeing, hiking and rock climbing in central Oregon at Smith Rock.

Smith Rock State Park covers an expanse of 651 acres in the Oregon high desert.
The park and campground are open year round, but due to the extreme temperatures of summer and
winter, spring and autumn are favored times for hiking and climbing. Nevertheless, people do hike & climb year round. Brad
and I first visited in July, and though we're not rock climbers, we do hike. That day we hiked Misery Ridge. It was hot, & while
the name Misery Ridge today seems an exaggeration, the first time we hiked the trail coming down on the other side was
nothing more than pebbles that slid under the worn soles of my tennis shoes. I am a afraid of heights, but I make myself do
what I fear, well it was scary to me sliding along those stones. Still, I made it. And, as an added bonus, we discovered a
waterfall on the other side of Crooked River on the walk back around Smith Rock. We forded the river, climbed
the ridge on that side and played in the waterfall. It was great fun.

Forward ~ Life expands from atop Smith Rock.

Back ~ Light Clearing the face of Smith Rock.

A Guide to Rock Climbing on Smith Rock.
Oregon State Parks: Smith Rock in Central Oregon.

Please make every effort to leave Smith Rock as you
found it. Rock Climbing Etiquette and Ethics from the National
Outdoor Leadership School.

Brad and I offer the Central Oregon and the Oregon Outback Tour:
Travel Guide, Map and Scenery for your enjoyment.

Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat
located in south of Smith Rock, near Crater Lake National Park.

Advertise Here!

Links to the retreat only open a new window.

Travel to Gathering Light ... a retreat on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery.

Directions to and Day Trips of about 100 miles from the retreat.

Little Known Scenic Places near Crater Lake and the
retreat: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery.

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Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat.

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