As a cross country skier I have had a chance to see and experience beautiful places around the World both summer and winter. World famous Smith Rock outside Redmond, Oregon is very high up on my list of places I recommend friends to visit at least once.
 to do a workout at Smith Rock with an old Norwegian friend and skiers Beckie Scott and Justin Wadsworth. I had for years (as a coach) discussed and analyzed Justin and Beckie’s workouts done in this area and I knew the grade of the uphill, the surface and how many intervals that could be done before you reached the top, but I wasn’t aware of the uniqueness and beauty of the place — not at all.<br />
<BR><center><img decoding=)
http://www.redmondcofc.com/
Smith Rock State Park – Redmond has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Smith Rock State Park is the area attraction visitors are most curious about. The world famous rock-climbing area draws climbers from all corners of the world. It provides not only the best climbing surface for sports enthusiast, but awe-inspiring vistas, for rock-climbing is becoming a huge spectator sport. For the neophyte climber shoe rentals and hiking guides are available in Redmond and Bend.
The hike that goes straight to the top of Smith Rock is the most challenging of the hiking Trails. Misery Ridge is located 1/2 mile from the footbridge. It ascends 660 vertical feet, featuring a summit view of the Cascades and the often-photographed monkey face. Day use fee $3 per vehicle.
The park is nearing completion of an ADA-approved trail, its gravel path is hikeable, but not hard-topped yet. The half-mile handicapped-accessible trail features a bench for resting and beautiful viewpoints along the scenic canyon rim. The state park is largely unmarred by its fame. There is no interpretive center nor fancy kiosks. The restrooms, trails, and viewpoints are the only signs of man-made changes to the park area. Primitive tent camping is available, in the grassy fields for $5 night, plus $4 per person per night – first come first served.
