Smith Rock, Oregon
7 Wonders · Hiking · Rock climbing
We did this 3 day/2 night trip in July while visiting the central Oregon adventure hub of Bend, Oregon. Don’t miss nearby Newberry National Volcanic Monument for some great hikes, amazing views and geological wonders like the Big Obsidian Flow Trail.
Why is an enormous rock in the middle of Oregon’s high desert one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders? With so many spectacular places in Oregon to chose from, frankly this one is a head-scratcher to me. With trail names like Misery Ridge and temperatures as hot as hell, Smith Rock is a place that hasn’t grown on me. I suppose by now you have figured out that I am not a rock climber and the very thought of scaling a massive rock with nothing more than a rope, a couple of carabineers and my own pitiful strength scares the living daylights out of me. But for climbers all around the world, this place is pretty special. Known as the birthplace of modern American sport climbing, Smith Rock has nearly 2,000 climbing routes! And there’s a lot more I could brag about on Smith Rock if I understood anything at all about rock climbing. Let me just say, if you are remotely interested in climbing, you are probably going to love this place.
As for me and my family, we preferred to explore Smith Rock from the safety of the ground. The sheer size of the formation is astounding. And if you want to realize your vast insignificance in the universe just shortly before dying of heat stroke, this is definitely the place. They say the park is teaming with wildlife but I was too darned hot to notice. Don’t get me wrong - this place is truly amazing. Just bring lots of water, a hat, sunscreen and about 12 gallons of ice cream to keep your spirits up.
Smith Rock offers an array of activities in addition to rock climbing including mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping and hiking trails (like the afore mentioned Misery Ridge). SmithRock.com is a great local resource including information about local guides, lodging, activities and weather conditions.
Someday I will return to Smith Rock and love it as much as Travel Oregon does. Maybe I will even gather up my nerve and try a little rock climbing. Until then, I will bask in the glory of our own spectacular Smith Rock summit.
PLAN YOUR TRIP:
A weekend in Central Oregon
3 days/2 nights
Day 1 - Portland to Bend
162 miles/3.5 hours
There are a lot of places you could happily stop on your way to Bend. But we only have three days on this weekend trip so grit your teeth, smile, wave and make your list of must-stop places for the next trip. Onward to Bend!
There are several options for lodging near Bend:
Tumalo State Park is about 15 minutes north of Bend. Reservations can be made through Reserve America.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument has multiple campgrounds and is located about 20 minutes south of Bend. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Home rentals, resorts and hotels. As you can imagine, there are a lot of options here. Check out Visit Bend for a local guide to what is available.
After you make camp/settle into your lodgings, it’s time to go explore Bend! Here the possibilities are endless - adventure sports, shopping, fishing, hiking, or taking the Ale Trail. The High Desert Museum is a favorite for my family. For dinner, head down to the Old Mill District for yummy food and a beautiful walk along the Deschutes. If you’re lucky, you might even get to enjoy music from the nearby amphitheater.
Day 2 - Newberry National Volcanic Monument
12 miles/22 minutes from Bend
I grew up in Oregon and had never heard of this amazing place until a few years ago! It is really cool - not just for want-to-be geology nerds like me - but for anyone who enjoys stunning views, beautiful lakes and a black, glass obsidian flow. Best of all, you can choose your adventure here - hike up to that breathtaking view or lazily drive there.
There is a lot to see at Newberry National Volcanic Monument - and you probably won’t get to see everything you want to in one day. But don’t miss these highlights:
Lava Lands Visitor Center and Lava Butte. Take the shuttle from the Visitor Center then do the Lava Butte Rim Trail for an easy 0.4 mile walk around the cinder cone rim. The kids will have a blast showing off their superhuman strength by lifting boulders of pumice!
Obsidian Flow Trail. This 0.6 mile easy trail is one of the coolest things you’ll ever see. Black obsidian glass flows down the side of the hill like something out of another world. There aren’t many opportunities to get up close with this much obsidian, so be sure to see this special place! A word of warning - obsidian is sharp. It can tear up tennis shoes and cut little knees that accidentally fall on it. Stick to the trail and make sure your kids understand that those pretty rocks are as sharp as broken glass.
Lunch at East Lake Resort overlooking Paulina Lake. Located about 3 miles east of the Obsidian Flow Trail is East Lake Resort which makes a perfect landing spot for lunch. The view of a sparkling blue lake just steps from the casual grill can’t be beat. I mean seriously, you can’t help but be happy here.
Paulina Peak Overlook. What could be better than hiking up to an absolutely spectacular 7,984 foot overlook? Driving there, so say my kids and husband. This stunning outlook boasts views of mountains, lakes and never ending forests. The Paulina Peak Trail is 6.1 miles and rated as hard. The drive to Paulina Peak, on the other hand, is rated as “um, no I’m not going to hike that” friendly.
Head back to Bend for dinner and a little more exploring. Or if you’re lucky enough to be staying at Newberry, settle in for some delicious s’mores.
Day 3 - Bend to Portland with stop at Smith Rock
162 miles/3.5 hours
Smith Rock is about 26 miles/40 minutes north of Bend and conveniently located on the way home. I would recommend visiting Smith Rock in the morning if possible, and by all means avoid the hottest part of the day. Bring water and wear sunscreen - even if not planning to stay long. It’s going to be great. You are going to love it. It’s an Oregon Wonder so you have to, right Travel Oregon?
The Museum at Warm Springs is about 45 minutes north of Smith Rock and a great stop that celebrates the history, art and culture of the three tribes of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. There is an excellent gift shop here with delicious local huckleberry jam.
An hour north of the Museum at Warm Springs is another Oregon Wonder! That’s two in one day for anyone keeping track. Spectacular Mt. Hood is Oregon’s tallest mountain at 11,250 feet. It is the second most climbed mountain in the world after Mt. Fujiyama in Japan (I may be too chicken to climb Smith Rock, but I’ve climbed Mt. Hood!). Stop by the historic Timberline Lodge for a self-guided tour and some serious gawking at the amazing craftsmanship that brought this one of a kind lodge into existence. If it’s eating time, you’re in luck! The restaurants here are great and the views even better. Even if it’s not eating time, you could probably find room for dessert . . .
Now for the final adventure of this weekend’s road trip, it’s time to ride the Magic Mile up to 7,000 feet of elevation and experience the beauty of Mt. Hood from above the timberline. The Magic Mile was the longest chairlift ever when it was built in 1938 and only the second chairlift in the world to carry passengers (don’t worry, it’s been replaced a few times since the 1930’s). Best of all - besides the epic views - you can have a snowball fight in the middle of summer! So bring a jacket, your camera - and if you’re 7 years old a water bottle to collect the snow - and go play!
With 1.5 hours left until Portland, your amazing Central Oregon weekend road trip is coming to a close. But don’t be too sad. Next weekend is only five days away!
And there you have it, a whirlwind weekend to Central Oregon. As always, be sure to check local resources for weather, road conditions and COVID-19 related closures when planning your trip. And don’t forget to post your photos to #lifelivedoregonstyle on Instagram. We’ll see you out there!