Smith Rock State Park
Oregon · State Park · Pacific Northwest Region
Smith Rock is 550-foot volcanic tuff towers rising from the Crooked River canyon, surrounded by high desert sage and rimrock. Misery Ridge Trail climbs to a view with the formations below, the Cascades behind you (Hood, Jefferson, Three Sisters on a clear day), and the river glinting far below. The Monkey Face, a 350-foot pillar with a summit that looks exactly like a human profile, is one of the recognizable rock formations in the country. Completely different from the PNW forests 90 minutes west.
- Best season
- March–June, September–November
- Permit required
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max group size
- 50 people
Permit Information
Oregon State Parks Special Use Permit required. $100 processing fee plus separate permit fee based on event details. Ceremonies restricted to the amphitheater area only (due to site degradation). Amphitheater max capacity: 50 people total including couple, vendors, and guests. Reserve by calling the park office at (541) 548-7501 starting 6 months out. $10/vehicle day-use parking fee applies.
Ceremony Spots at Smith Rock State Park
- Misery Ridge Summit — Dramatic ceremony above the Crooked River canyon with Cascade volcano views behind
- Crooked River Loop (River Level) — Easy riverside ceremony with towering volcanic spires rising directly above