Smith Rock
The birthplace of American sport climbing
A wall of welded tuff and basalt looping around a bend of the Crooked River in central Oregon — where modern sport climbing was born, and where Misery Ridge delivers one of the state’s best short hikes. Spires, raptors, and the river far below.
The shot
Monkey Face spire from Misery Ridge.
Nearby & worth pairing
- Misery Ridge Trail
- Crooked River
- Bend nearby
- Monkey Face
Access, fees, permits, and tour availability change with the season and the managing agency (tribal park, state park, BLM, or NPS) — confirm current rules and reservations before you go, tread lightly on sacred and fragile sites, and pack out everything you bring.
Build a trip around landmarks like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: