Rainbow Storm Clouds at Smith Rock:

hiking and rock climbing at smith rock state park in the high desert of central oregon, north of bend.

Smith Rock in the Oregon High Desert at Terrebonne, north of Bend, Oregon, just off Hwy 97.

Smith Rock Scenic Getaway on the Central Oregon and Oregon Outback Tour.

Each Scenic Getaway, Travel Guide or Tour is different in scenery and recreation opportunities. All
include a travel guide, map and scenery we'd like to share. We offer photos of each recreation spot to pique
your interest and share the beauty. Except for the photo of Vulture Ridge to the right, all of these photos of
Smith Rock were taken in a spring storm, just afterwards and then early the next morning. As should be
apparent, Smith Rock is beautiful, offering world renowned scenery, rock climbing, hiking
and just plain enjoyment.

Sightseeing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Camping and Photography at Smith Rock State Park.

Brad and I decided to go back to Smith Rock State Park, hike Misery Ridge and take some more
and hopefully, better photos of beautiful vacation and recreation scenery for our travel guides. We had great weather
traveling east on the Santiam Pass in the Cascade Mountains, but it began changing around Sisters, and grew stormier
as we continued to travel towards Bend and our destination, Smith Rock State Park. The rainbow in this photo was ori-
ginally two; only one remained by the time we arrived at Smith Rock. Still, it was beautiful, as can be seen here. I'd never
complain. We spoke to someone hiking on Smith Rock when the storm hit; he wasn't complaining either.

A day use permit: cost $3.00 is required and available at the self-use stand. An annual pass is also available for $25.00.

Spring and Autumn are the most popular hiking and climbing seasons because of the extremes in temperature,
100 degree plus in the summer and a steady high of 32 degrees in the winter months.

Camping at Smith Rock: There are two campgrounds. The first is in Smith Rock State Park, off of NE Crooked
River Drive. Directions: Turn on Smith Rock Way from Hwy 97. Turn left onto 1st Street. 1st will turn into Wilcox Street. Turn
left on Crooked River Drive and find the campground. The second is a Forest Service Campground: Skull Hollow Campground.
Follow Smith Rock Way until it turns into Lone Pine Road. Follow Lone Pine Road. It crosses the Crooked River, keeps on
going, and turns north, Continue on this route until you see the sign for the turnoff for Gray Butte Trailhead.
Turn left and find the campground.

 
 

Forward ~ Sightseeing as the storm abates at Smith Rock.

Back ~ Three Fingered Jack in the Cascade Mountains, viewed from the Over the River and through the Woods Scenic Byway.

Hiking and Rock Climbing Information for Smith Rock State Park.

Please, make every effort to leave the rock as you found it. :-) Rock Climbing
Ethics from the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Oregon State Parks: Smith Rock in Central Oregon.

Brad and I happily offer Smith Rock on the Central Oregon and Oregon Outback Tour: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery for your enjoyment.

Vulture ridge at smith rock state park for hiking and rock climbing in central oregon.  

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

    the elfin treehouse: Cabins; tree houses in the forest on the river at gathering light ... a retreat located in south central oregon near crater lake national park.  

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Travel to Gathering Light ... a retreat on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery: wild and scenic rivers, hiking trails,
mountains and volcanoes, old growth forests and more.

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: hiking without trails, river gorges, wetlands and wildlife refuges, birding, canoeing and more.

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