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| Autumn colors at Smith Rock |
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| Be it for hiking or climbing, Smith Rock is an ideal fall destination |
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 | | Scott Staats CENTRAL OREGONIAN | | Smith Rock |
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From across the canyon I could see the tiny spider-like figures clinging to the orange-colored rock, their ropes dangling below them, their hardware glistening in the morning sun.
Besides being a popular hiking destination with about 12 miles of trails, Smith Rock State Park is also the most famous climbing destination in Oregon. With camera in hand, I descended down into the Crooked River Canyon, crossing the walk-bridge over the river and taking a left.
Overhead, a rough-legged hawk soared while mallards and a kingfisher kept busy in the river, the latter diving for a fish but coming up empty. Rock wrens and a hermit thrush jumped from boulder to boulder. But as I rounded the corner, it became apparent that humans were the dominant creatures on the sheer walls of the volcanic cliffs.
I hiked up one of the climbers' trails to the base of the cliffs. Although the morning was cool, it was t-shirt weather against these south-facing walls of rock. White chalk dotted the pinkish rock, marking some of the most challenging climbing routes in the country. One climb is rated as one of the top three most challenging climbs in the world. Techniques developed on the cliffs in the 1980's helped drive the development of sport climbing for the entire country.
I continued past the precipitous climber's wall, hearing calls of "On belay", "Off rope" and even "Rock." Don't look up when the last call is heard. I made my way just about to the base of Asterisk Rock and had great views of the river snaking its way through the canyon. In a protected alcove, away from the calls of the climbers, there was silence except for the occasional cooing of rock doves sitting somewhere above among the towering spires. As I looked up, a prairie falcon circled twice then disappeared over the cliffs.
As snow begins to fall at the high elevations, Smith Rock is a good choice for those interested in hiking, picnicking, geology, birding and mountain biking. For the more adventurous, bring your rope and climbing gear. But be careful, one climber that day had to be taken out with a sprained or broken ankle.
A state park pass is required to visit Smith Rock. Permits are $3 per day or $25 for an annual pass. Day passes can be purchased in the park.
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