+ What are the Park Hours?

Dawn til dusk, every day of the year.

+ What are the day-use fees?

A $10 day-use permit or a current state park camp receipt is needed for each vehicle is available from the self-service pay stations. $12.50 for non-Oregon residents. You can also purchase annual passes at the at the park, online, and at Oliver Lemon's in Terrebonne and the park’s Welcome Center. NOTE FOR JAN. 1, 2026: Annual passes are doubling for Oregon residents from $30 to $60/per year, with a surcharge for out-of-state visitors bringing their annual permit to $75. The 24-month parking permits will be discontinued in 2026; however, existing permits will be honored until they expire.

+ Will my National Parks Senior Pass or NW Forest Service Pass be accepted?

No, sorry. Smith Rock is part of the Oregon State Park system, and as such only accepts the day use fees and annual permits you can purchase at the park, online, and at Oliver Lemon's in Terrebonne and the park’s Welcome Center.

+ When do I need a permit?

No permits or reservations are needed except for a special event. There is a $10 per parking space day use fee at each of the parking lots, and they take credit cards at each location.

The parking lots are first come first serve, and generally they fill up quickly, especially during holidays, weekends, and summer.

Any special event/and or wedding groups, including commercial filming and photography, should reach out to park staff to inquire about a reservation or permit. Contact the Park Manager at 541-548-7501 to determine if you need one.

+ what are the welcome center hours?

The hours vary, based mostly on volunteer staffing.

OPEN FOR:

• ANNUAL PARK PASSES AND SOME MERCHANDISE
• CREDIT/DEBIT CARD SALES ONLY, NO CASH
• HOURS ARE 8:30AM TO 1PM (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY). THE HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND WILL NOT BE POSTED.

+ How Do I Host a wedding at the Park?

• Smith Rock State Park is reserving ONLY the amphitheater area for wedding ceremonies. It can be reserved by calling the park office 6 months to the day, starting at 6:00am. 541-548-7501
• Management is NOT continuing the practice of issuing special use permits for weddings outside of this area due to site degradation and group interference with our regular park visitors. Please do not show up at the park and set things up outside of the amphitheater area for a wedding. Either the Park Manager or a ranger will be happy to chat with you about this and set up a reservation for the amphitheater if you choose to go with this site.(see above)
• The park is open dawn until dusk.

+ Are there vehicle size restrictions?

For the Bivy Campground- No RV's allowed. Maximum vehicle length is 20 feet.

For the Day Use Parking Areas: There is no set maximum for vehicle lengths but the park does ask that RV's, buses and trailers park in the RV/Overflow lot or use parallel parking as opposed to taking up multiple spaces.

(A 30 foot RV would not be a problem to park in these areas. Several of the parking spaces in the RV lot are over 50 feet.)

+ Are E-BIKES ALLOWED IN THE PARK?

As of July 1, 2025:

A person may operate an electric assisted bicycle from the following classifications on trails that also are open to mountain bikes.

• Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.

• Class 2: May be propelled by its motor without a rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.

• Class 3: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph, and is equipped with a speedometer.

Trails include:

• Canyon Trail
• Homestead Trail (restricted on the uphill/downhill portion)
• River Trail
• Summit Trail
• Wolftree Trail

PLEASE SHARE THE TRAIL AND PROVIDE GOOD NOTICE TO OTHERS THAT YOU ARE COMING TO AVOID ACCIDENTS. This is a trial phase on e-bikes, so be respectful to keep the privelege to use them in the park.

+ What are 3 things I should know about hiking at Smith Rock State Park?

Visitors are often unprepared when hiking at Smith Rock. Here are 3 things to keep in mind to have an enjoyable experience for you and your group.

Most rescues in the park are due to failure to do these, NOT rock climbing falls.

1. Dress appropriately. Wear layers that you can add and subtract from for changing weather conditions and shoes with good traction for walking down scree slopes. (covered with small loose stones)
2. Bring water—16 oz per person per hour of exertion. The water fountain at the bridge is the last water station in the park. You may consider a hydration pack for easy access. The rocks can really heat up in the summer months and the combination of heat and dehydration can be dangerous.
3. Stay on marked trails. The trails are clearly marked to prevent erosion and to not mislead the next hiker. They also provide a reference on your trail map to get back so that the rangers don’t need to come find you.

+ Are there trails for wheelchairs and baby strollers?

Getting down into the main river canyon area of Smith Rock State Park is not easily accessible by wheelchairs and strollers, however if they are equipped with “off-road” tires it can be done by way of the paved Canyon Trail leading into the park. It deposits you on a gravel path before a bridge crosses the river.

After the bridge trails become narrow and have human, bike, and animal traffic on them competing for space. See the virtual tours for the River Trail and Wolf Tree Trail.

Great views can be had along the gravel paths at the parking level. The Rim Rock Trail is flat and offers great views of the main rock climbing areas as well as the river gorge below. The North Point Trail is much shorter, coming directly off the Turnaround Fee Station,and has great views of the Monument Area and the river in the Gorge below.

+ how do i find out about route and trail closures?

We regularly post news articles and Facebook updates with all information on closures, both seasonal due to raptor nesting route closures and trail renovation. Our Seasonal Closures page has all the information on raptor nesting closures and is updated regularly.

+ What options for camping are in the area?

While The Bivy Campground is the closest, it is tent-camping only, no fires, and first-come-first-served, on a seasonal basis. And no, you can't sleep in your vehicle.

One campground, three RV Parks and a public works RV dump station are within a 15 mile radius of Smith Rock State Park. There are descriptions along with Google Maps to each of them, with something to suit any type of camping.

+ How can I know in advance if the campground is full?

You can’t. The Bivy or Bivouac is a walk-in, first-come-first-served seasonal campground. Reservations are not accepted. There are no marked spots, and a full parking lot is the gauge for when the “Campground Full” sign goes up. That’s it. No hotline, and SmithRock.com has no way to forecast, although many call us begging to do so.

Parking spots are not tied to campsites, and there is no way to know exactly how many sites may be left, as campers are continuously coming and going from the parking lot and the campground.

Bivy Campground Inquiries: Call the Park Office at 541-548-7501.

The campground is typically full Spring and Fall Friday through Sunday. They will continue to put out the “No Vacancy” signs when full but don’t have plans to go beyond that at this time.

+ How does the campground (Bivy) fee system work?

The Bivy is open for camping from March 15- November 15 and space is available on a first-come-first-served seasonal basis. Reservations are not accepted.

Bivy Campground Inquiries:  Call the Park Office at 541-548-7501

The campground is typically full Spring and Fall Friday through Sunday. They will continue to put out the “No Vacancy” signs when full but don’t have plans to go beyond that at this time.

Check-in is at 4 pm and check-out is at 1 pm at the automated kiosk. Your pass will be honored at the day use lots upon check-out if you stay the day.

• You can purchase up to 14 nights. Maximum stay is 14 nights. You must then leave for a minimum of 3 nights before returning.
• Fees are $12 per person per night for Oregon residents, and as of July 1, 2025, $15 per person for out-of-state campers. It includes the parking permit for the next day and use of the showers.
• The fee station takes credit cards only.

For all details on the campground, or Bivy area, go here.

+ Are there vacation rentals in the area?

Yes, we know anyone within 15 miles of Smith Rock likes like to say they have park views.

Vacation rentals that advertise with us are listed in order of proximity to the park. They have individual Google Maps to help you gauge the distance as well as links to detail pages.

+ ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN THE PARK?

Yes, but only on a leash. That’s a strict rule that has become recently enforced without warnings like the old days. And be sure to check out the special rules for the dogs of climbers and slackliners.

And while there is a hefty fine for off-leash, there isn’t one YET for leaving dog poop all over the trail, or worse yet, bagged up and left on the trail. Those bags don’t decompose and there are no dog poop fairies to take care of it for you.

There are convenient free doggie poop bag dispensing stations AND trash cans by the main fee station after the Welcome Center AND at the head of the bridge. Keep it nice for everyone and clean up after your pet.

+ Planning a school field trip?

To ensure a safe and meaningful experience for your students the park staff requests that you contact them at (541)548-7501 ext.1 to schedule a field trip.

During the months of April through July, (and by appointment in the fall) an interpretive ranger may be available to speak to your group as well. At a minimum, they would like to meet your group on arrival to inform them of potential hazards, current trail conditions, park regulations and ethics.

The park’s Welcome Center is an excellent educational resource with a variety of displays on the park’s four themes of Geology, Ecology, Cultural History and Recreation.

The Welcome Center is open a limited basis, (see Hours section of FAQ above) so you may want to call the park prior to your visit to find out what the hours will be during your visit.

+ When should I call SMITHROCK.COM and When should I call Smith Rock State Park?

While SmithRock.com has its pulse on most of the activities happening in and around Smith Rock State Park, we are independent of the State Park System.

Call us at 541-516-0054 for clarification of anything we publish on our website or our Facebook page. We are happy to give recommendations on trail hiking based on your ability and desired length of your visit and help you with our knowledge of the area from years of being here.

Call the State park at 541-548-7501 if you LOST SOMETHING, for issuing permits on weddings, photo shoots, or any special issues or needs that require their involved with the park itself.

+ may i fly my drone in the park?

Not during raptor nesting season.

And while the views from above are incredible, the sheer number of people with drones these days takes away from the park's serenity for all, including the wildlife. And the neighbors don't appreciate them straying over adjacent private property, so please respect the park and the surrounding community.

From Oregon State Parks and Recreation:

While there is no blanket rule specific to excluding drones at Oregon State Parks, drone operators must follow state and federal laws. Here at Smith Rock, park staff will continue to restrict drone activities during sensitive nesting periods (January through July). And at times, park staff may limit operators from taking off or landing drones in the park to protect natural, cultural, scenic or recreational resources, or to resolve a specific visitor conflict. Contact the park for information on areas of concern. (541)548-7501.

+ How Do I GET A MEMORIAL BENCH INSTALLED AT THE PARK?

Oregon State Parks has an extremely high criteria set to meet in order for one to be installed per a new policy. Here it is below:

26. General Criteria: The Director or designee must consider the following criteria prior to making any decisions:

a. The honored individual or group has made a significant contribution to the park or the state park system;

b. The association between the park system and/or a particular park and the individual, group, or event being recognized is exceptional and of great importance;

c. The recognition aligns with OPRD inclusionary goals;

d. The recognition factors in any controversial legacy of the individual;

e. If an employee or former employee, the honored individual’s contributions went above and beyond the scope of their duties as an employee;

f. There is demonstrated support for recognition of an honored individual or group;

g. The honored individual or group has made a lasting contribution with a significant and historic impact to Oregon and has not been, or could not be, honored otherwise in a more appropriate manner;

h. The honored individual has been deceased for at least five (5) years;

i. The recognition will likely improve or enhance the park and be consistent with park’s primary uses, plans, significance, and purpose; and

j. The recognition will not result in a significant expense, liability, encumbrance, or administrative or maintenance burden to OPRD.

Looking to honor a climber? Smith Rock State Park works closely with and relies upon the support of our non-profit partners like the High Desert Climbers Alliance to ensure climbing remains as safe and accessible as possible at this special park. Please consider a donation to their efforts in lieu of a memorial bench at the park, as that helps keep more young climbers enjoying the sport your son so loved.