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The upper section of the Homestead Trail is closed for renovation from April 24 to May 24, 2017.  This is the section that enters and exits the park close to the Northern Point. The lower section along the river will remain open.   Over time the trail has become a challenge to users with both … Continue reading Upper Homestead Trail Closed for Renovation →

Springtime brings back the seasonal rangers to Smith Rock State Park, and with it, a great opportunity to learn from the experts.  Join Interpretive Naturalist David Vick each weekend from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM as he answers all of your raptor questions on Saturdays and your geology questions on Sundays in these two programs: THE RAP … Continue reading Smith Rock Ranger Lead Interpretative Programs →

This just in—35 reservable campsites will be available TOMORROW April 19 at 8:00 AM  for viewing the solar eclipse on Monday, August 21 at oregonstateparks.org or reserveamerica.com or by calling the reservation line at 800-452-5687.  The park expects to sell out within an hour. (See last paragraph for more opportunities.) All sites will have a … Continue reading Snag Your Campsite Quickly April 19 for the Solar Eclipse →

One minute and 23 seconds. That’s how long Smith Rock solar eclipse viewers will bask in almost total darkness as the moon gets in between us and the sun. Lying in the “Totality Path” of the first solar eclipse to touch the U.S. in 26 years, the park is perfectly positioned to enjoy a spectacular … Continue reading Prime Viewing of the Solar Eclipse at Smith Rock →

Joining the bald and golden eagles, the prairie falcons are back to roost for the season. While this DOES NOT affect hiking trails, it does close down a few routes for climbers. Nesting area closures in the Picnic Lunch Wall and First Kiss areas that are in effect until June 30, 2017. Smith Rock State Park … Continue reading Prairie Falcons Nesting Again—Heads Up on Route Closures →

Guest blogger Jack Wills has a special connection to wildlife, and they to him. A self-described “semi-professional” photographer, Jack has decided to focus on them specifically for the last 15 years. The result is an amazing portfolio with images that make you feel a part of his “Animal Kingdom” experience. We were fortunate to run into … Continue reading Communing with My Adopted Eagle Family—one Smith Rock Wildlife Photographer’s Story →

Each year at this time the River Trail joins the river. That is, a part of it goes under water depending on the amount of snow melt and rainwater that hits the Crooked River.  The park has posted signs where you might encounter some flooding near the southern junction of the Mesa Verde and River … Continue reading A Bit of Seasonal Flooding →

It’s nesting time again at Smith Rock State Park for both pairs of golden and bald eagles. While hiking trails remain open, some campsites and climbing route closures will go into effect from February 17 to August 1 to give them a little privacy. Canyon Trail and Campground (Bivy) areas: The bald eagle nest is … Continue reading Balds and Goldens are Back →

Didn’t get a chance to hear what was said at the first in a series of public meetings on the new Smith Rock State Park Master Plan? Well here’s a link to the cliff notes from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.  NOTE-the links are Word documents for the Redmond meetings. If you prefer pdfs, … Continue reading The Dawn of a Smith Rock Master Plan →

While the usual January warm-up time is here, Smith Rock still has evidence of the huge snow dump from December and early January.   Trails are a combination of slush, mud, snow, and ice. While the amount of snow looks tame enough, 3 inches of ice is lurking below, so any downgrade not melted out … Continue reading Coming up on Ground Hog Day at Smith Rock →