A Return to Smith Rock State Park (and Posting) 😁
After a long hiatus from long form posting I'm ready to dip my toes back into the pool. The subject matter is another place I haven't been to in a few years, Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon. The park covers around 650 acres and I have explored only a very small portion of that. On this trip I venture into an area of the park I have yet to visit. So follow along as I share some pictures, videos, and thoughts about my short hike. 😀
Click images for larger view
As you arrive in the parking area you are met be a spectacular view. My journey will take me over the edge and down into the canyon below.
Looking to my right I see some of the area I have explored previously.
Once over the canyon rim I get a view of where today's exploration will take me. I will cross the Crooked River and follow the trail around the edge of the monolith to see some sights I have yet to see.
Nearing the canyon floor I grab some shots of the massive rock wall in front of me and the monolith I will soon be circling around.
A look back at the bridge crossing before I continue on around on the trail.
Smith Rock State Park is also known as the birthplace of U.S. sport climbing. Above you can see some steps leading to the cliff walls for the climbers to access. The following shots show some of the climbers in action on the cliff faces.
The white spots on the cliffs are from the climbers using chalk to help solidify their grip. The left over residue shows some of the different routes taken by the climbers.
Another stunning rock formation comes into view.
As I near the turn around point of my journey for today ...
I notice a goose on the rock above. I knew they hung out here sometimes but this was the first one I had ever seen here.
And of course you can always count on seeing a few raptors patrolling the skies above the cliffs.
A couple views to another part of the park as I begin my trek back to the car.
And of course where there is one goose there is always more. Mom and dad taking the young ones for a swim. 😀
A keyhole type feature high above on the rocks.
A bee visiting a wildflower.
https://play.3speak.tv/embed?v=oldmans/xei7lmh7
A sweeping view of the park as I ascend out of the canyon.
A couple views from the trail.
Well that's it for this journey. Hope you enjoyed the tour! 😍
Click images for larger view
Please feel free to make comments or ask me any questions about this post.
Photos taken by me, @oldmans, with a Nikon D3300, Samsung S20 Galaxy, XTU S6 action camera and some Lightroom post processing.
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And he really dove right into this comeback. 👏
An excellent post for an excellent natural spot.
Thank you! It was just like falling of a bicycle. Some things you never forget how to do. lol
True ✌️
What a spectacular place to visit! Great job juxtaposing the monolith with the sky,and of course the goslings ... Have to include the babies.
Yeah, even with the thin layer of clouds it was still a pretty blue sky. Made for some good contrasts with the rocks.
They were so cute and little, they were just begging to be photographed. ;)
Smith Rock State Park is a natural place where you can not only practice your physical skills, but you can also appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Regards, @oldmans
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Thank you!
What a breathtaking place with all that geological history. Of course the Canada geese are keeping an eye on things from up there.
Yeah, it just kind of pops up out of the flat desert. The Crooked river did a great job. hahah
Until recently I didn't realize that geese enjoyed high perches like that. Always learning something new. :)
Those geese are something else. I can see one now on top of a building, standing still up there for no reason. Perching might be a good way to quickly detect predators that are looking for eggs or young ones when they're nesting.
Good point.
Waooo is great
Thanks!
contrast of nature, arid and water
You are right it is a very dry climate. The high desert in Central Oregon does have its own beauty and small areas of abundant water.
The person who were climbing is very brave. It's still a nerve-racking to do. Still, it's quite interesting hehe.
Yeah, it's not a sport for me either. I love expansive views from high places but hate being exposed to steep drop offs.
That was a very stunning view of a canyon. A place that is filled with the history. A very nice to explore and enjoy the view.
It is definitely a place you can visit over and over. :)
Hiya, @lauramica here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Top 3 in Travel Digest #2910.
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I'm honored! Thank you.
You are very welcome @oldmans! it was well deserved. ☀️
We are already looking forward to reading more about your adventures!
It is nice to see the nature around here. Rocky Smith Park is very beautiful, and the post and photos bring us to the place.
I'm glad my photos can transport you there. Thank you!
It's so beautiful to see the view you shared.
I'm glad you liked it. :)
What a hike! Fantastic view all around!!
I'd forgotten how awe inspiring a place it was. I really need to go there a little more often. :)
It would surely worth it every single time 😊
The sheer scale of that monolith up close is humbling. The way you framed the climbers’ chalk marks on the rock, those faded lines feel like a trail map carved by hands. Did you notice how the light shifts so fast here? Makes me wonder if the geese sense the same sudden shadows the climbers do.
It is definitely humbling. My neck was getting a little sore from constantly looking up. :)
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