Day Hike - Smith Rock

Note:  Be sure to read "Leader Notes" (click "More" link)

3/24 Arrive mid- to late-afternoon at walk-in campsites. 

3/25 - 3/27:  Meet 8:30am at trailhead for walk-in campsites, ready to hike.

Daily options to meet earlier  near main trailhead for sunrise & early AM photography.

Approx 5.5 hour drive from Seattle.

UPDATED 3/16: Trip will be canceled today due to cold temps (freezing nights and very cool days).

Please read all leader notes before requesting leader permission.

Members only.  Leader permission required - include interest(s)/experience in naturalist and/or photo trips, and experience with Mountaineers naturalist and/or photo trips.  Priority registration 2/10 - 2/28 to photographers and naturalists, with recent history of Mountaineers naturalist and/or photography trips.   

After 2/28:  open to all other member hiker inquiries with leader permission required. 

Itinerary: 

Day 1 & 3 Monkey Face  4 mi loop (800' gain) approx 1/2 day wi varied direction & side trip on two days. Optional:  Day 1 sunset photos & day 3 sunrise  photos. Day 2 Summit Trail 6.9 mi loop (1,100' gain) 2/3 to full day hike; optional:  sunrise & sunset photos.  

Pace (approx 1 - 1.5 mph) will be leisurely (mostly) to moderate with abundant stops for photo and naturalist opportunities.  Flexible pace with priority for photo/naturalist stops while we leisurely explore trails and viewpoints, and take advantage of good light for photography. 

Daily mileages are upper estimates, with emphasis on photo/naturalist interests, and taking advantage of good light and interesting natural or other subjects (ie, rock climbers), rather than achieving the estimated mileage.  Loop lengths may be shortened, or modified to out and back travel. 

Trail guides, photos and other info:  https://oregonisforadventure.com/smith-rock-hikes-climbing/

Camp at walk-in bivouac camp, non-reservable only, with daily fee. Other accoms nearby in Terrebone and Redmond.

Walk in Campground:  Tent sites located 150+ feet to south of campground parking area.  Camping fees are $8 per person per night. Check-in 4pm & check-out 1pm.  Fee station takes credit cards & exact cash/coins only.  Campground restrooms and showers are on north side of Bivy parking lot. Cooking in common area next to bivy parking; not in camping area. For more info: https://smithrock.com/campground-bivy

Visitor guide/photos:  https://missrover.com/smith-rock-a-complete-guide-to-viewing-this-oregon-wonder/

Featured geology hike in Hiking Oregon's Geology. 

See hike descriptions in 100 Hikes/Travel Guide - Central Oregon Cascades (Sullivan)  for Smith Rock.  

Smith Rock State Park is located within the immense Crooked River Caldera.   For more info on the caldera, see:  https://sites.google.com/site/oregonvirtualfieldtrips/smith-rock?pli=1

Photo recommendations, see:  Photographing Oregon: A Guide to the Natural Landmarks of Oregon (Vaughn).  Great sunrise and morning light in spring, and climbers in mid-morning.

REQUIRED PASS:  Oregon State Parks daily or annual vehicle pass.  Purchase before arrival at Smith Rock SP.