Smith Rock State Park
Terrebonne, OR
Orange tuff cliffs above a bend of the Crooked River, a famous rock-climbing area. The Misery Ridge trail climbs steeply to views of Monkey Face; there is a day-use fee and parking fills on spring weekends.
Smith Rock State Park, in the High Desert of central Oregon, covers 641 acres (about 260 hectares) and sits on a bend of the Crooked River. About 30 million years ago a large caldera formed here, and its welded tuff now makes up the cliffs, which rise roughly 600 feet (180 m). The park is regarded as the birthplace of modern American sport climbing: it has more than 1,800 routes, and the first 5.14 route in the US was climbed here. The 350-foot (107 m) rock spire Monkey Face is the best-known landmark.
Hikers mostly use the Misery Ridge Trail and the Summit Trail. The park is home to mule deer, beavers, river otters, rattlesnakes, golden eagles and prairie falcons. There is a walk-in tent area (the Bivouac), and the day-use area has a visitor center, picnic areas and restrooms; open fires are prohibited. The day-use area is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
- Nearest town
- Terrebonne, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.3662, -121.1370
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Skull Hollow CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Smith Rock State Park · 70 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Crooked River Ranch RV ParkCampsite7 mi from Smith Rock State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Chimney Rock CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Smith Rock State Park · 20 pitchesDrinking water
- Indian Ford CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Smith Rock State ParkTentsCaravans
- Cold Springs CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Smith Rock State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Scandia RV ParkMotorhome stopover25 mi from Smith Rock State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Smith Rock State Park?
Smith Rock State Park is in Terrebonne, OR, at GPS 44.3662, -121.1370. It is about 16 mi from Prineville.
Can you camp near Smith Rock State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Smith Rock Bivouac Area, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 54 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Smith Rock State Park?
Smith Rock State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Smith Rock, the Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds.
What is there to see near Smith Rock State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lava Butte and Lava Lands (33 mi), Dee Wright Observatory (34 mi), Proxy Falls (41 mi) and Clear Lake (42 mi).
When is the best time to visit Smith Rock State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)