Smith Rock and the outdoors in Redmond
Redmond sits in the High Desert, with Smith Rock to the north and the national forest to the west. These are the facts from the agencies that run them.
Smith Rock State Park
Oregon State Parks describes Smith Rock as a rock-climbing and canyon destination near Redmond with several thousand climbs, more than a thousand of them bolted routes. It also has hiking and mountain biking trails, and visitors may see golden eagles and mule deer.
What the state page says right now:
- A day-use parking permit is required and can be bought on site.
- Tent camping in the walk-in bivouac area runs March 15 to November 15, weather permitting, first come, first served. RVs, campfires and sleeping in vehicles are not allowed. The posted camping fee is $12 per person per night.
- Some climbing areas are closed or limited from about January 15 to August 1 to protect nesting golden eagles and falcons. Check the signs at the park.
- Construction is planned from December 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027. The North Point Amphitheater is closed for reservations in that period, and parts of the Rim Rock Trail and North Point Loop Trail will close at times.
Deschutes National Forest
The Forest Service says Deschutes National Forest covers about 1.6 million acres in Central Oregon and offers year-round recreation. Some sites charge day-use fees. The Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson and Mount Washington wilderness areas are managed with use limits, so permits apply there. The forest's conditions page lists road status, trail conditions and closures.