The basalt rimrock of the Northern Point is the start of the exposed cliff areas on the eastern edge of the park that plunge to the river gorge below.


Located at the turnaround area cul-de-sac of the parking area you couldn't ask for an easier approach. It's just .25 miles past the Welcome Center. Top rope to the Practice Area below. Or head down the Homestead Trail just to the left for 5 minutes to meet up with the short trail going to the base of these crack climbs.

It's a great place for small classes. Looking to get away from the crowds and escape the heat of the afternoon sun? Definitely make a stop there. From 5.8 to 5.13, everyone has a chance to check out their stuff on cracks.

climber at the Northern Point at Smith Rock State Park
climber at the Northern Point at Smith Rock State Park
Climbers headed to the Northern Point at Smith Rock State Park from North Point Trail

Climbers headed to the Northern Point at Smith Rock State Park from North Point Trail

climber descending to base of Northern Point from rim off North Point Trail

climber descending to base of Northern Point from rim off North Point Trail

Here's some of the best: (All are rated 3-star in Alan Watts' Guidebook, with * noting a 4-star)

5.8:

  • Handy Man  trad, gear to 2.5 inches, 1 pitch
     

5.10:

  • Burn Baby, Burn 5.10a  trad, gear to 2.5 inches, 1 pitch

  • If I Ran the Circus 5.10b  trad, gear to 3 inches, 1 pitch
     

5.11:

  • Woman in the Meadow 5.11a  sport, 5 bolts, 1 pitch

  • The Limbo 5.11a  sport, 6 bolts, 1 pitch
     

5.12:

  • Torrid Zone 5.12a  sport, 5 bolts, 1 pitch

  • Shiva 5.12c  sport, 4 bolts, (optional gear to 1 inch), 1 pitch

  • Drill, Sarah, Drill 5.12d  sport, 4 bolts (optional gear to 2 inches), 1 pitch
     

5.13:

  • Havana Smack 5.13a  sport, 4 bolts, 1 pitch

  • The Heathen 5.13a  sport, 5 bolts, 1 pitch

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