After an amazing time at Smith Rock last year, I was excited to go back and explore more. With a full gamut of outdoors activities planned, we decided to head down Thursday night to beat the holiday crowds. Friday climbing was not busy and relaxing.

Smith Rock is a rock formation in the desert of Oregon within a 30 minute drive from Bend. Climbers from all over attempt multiple grades depending on skill level. The U.S.’s first 5.14 route is located here. Some even argue that Smith Rock is the birthplace of modern sport climbing.

It was great to get back into my climbing shoes and climb harder grades than what I was climbing in my mountaineering boots. Fortunately, dogs are permitted on leash in the park and around the climbing area, so our friend Will decided to bring his dog on the climb.

A chest harness made from a sewn runner was put on Dixie as she made her way over Asterisk Pass. She was a champ! The weather was perfect most of the day. Instead of heading back over the pass, we walked the base of the rock wall next to the Crooked River and headed back to the bivouac site once it started raining. The rock was coarse and grippy, making the climbing fun but challenging.

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Would you ever give rock climbing a try?

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