Nature's Cathedral in Morning's Light

nature's cathedral in morning light: renowned rock climbing and hiking at smith rock, north of newberry crater national monument in central oregon, not far from bend, the cascade mountains and mountain lakes, the deschutes ochoco national forest, campgrounds and hiking trails.

Smith Rock, north of Newberry Crater National Monument, in central Oregon

Smith Rock State Park covers an expanse of 651 acres in central Oregon's high desert. The park and campground are open year round, but due to the extreme temperatures of summer and winter, spring and autumn are favored times for hiking and climbing. Nevertheless, people do hike & climb year round. Brad and I first visited in July, and though we're not rock climbers, we do hike. That day we hiked Misery Ridge. It was hot, & while the name Misery Ridge today seems an exaggeration, the first time we hiked the trail coming down on the other side was nothing more than pebbles that slid under the worn soles of my tennis shoes. I am a afraid of heights, but I make myself do what I fear, well it was scary to me sliding along those stones. Still, I made it. And, as an added bonus, we discovered a waterfall on the other side of Crooked River on the walk back around Smith Rock. We forded the river, climbed the ridge on that side and played in the waterfall. It was great fun.

renowned rock climbing and hiking at smith rock, north of newberry crater national monument in central oregon, not far from bend, the cascade mountains and mountain lakes, the deschutes ochoco national forest, campgrounds and hiking trails.

Forward ~ Life expands from atop Smith Rock.

Back ~ Light Clearing the face of Smith Rock.

A Guide to Rock Climbing on Smith Rock. Oregon State Parks: Smith Rock in Central Oregon.

Please make every effort to leave Smith Rock as you found it. Rock Climbing Etiquette and Ethics from the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Explore Smith Rock in Central Oregon: Travel Guide, Map and Scenery for your enjoyment.

Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat
located in south of Smith Rock, near Crater Lake National Park.

gathering light ... a retreat located in klamath basin in southern oregon near crater lake national park.

Travel on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway to Gathering Light ... a retreat: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery.

Directions to and Day Trips in either Oregon or California of about 100 miles from the retreat.

Explore little Known Scenic Places near Crater Lake National Park and the retreat: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery.

Website Directory      Page Listing      Home Page

Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat.

Wood River Wetlands (pictured above), one of the many Klamath Basin birding trails not far from Gathering Light ... a retreat. Rustic simplicity, a place to "Just Be", Gathering Light is nestled on the banks of the river, surrounded by the Fremont Winema National Forest of southern Oregon and not far from Crater Lake National Park.

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