Smith Rock State Park Day Trip | Bend Oregon Family Photographer

When I knew we were moving to Bend, I started looking into cool places nearby and the one that caught my attention the most was Smith Rock State Park. Smith Rock gives the feels of Zion National Park in southern Utah, with spectacular views of the deep rivers running through the canyons with trails for mild to experienced hikers all throughout. We've made the trip out twice now since we've been here and neither time disappointed.

The second time we went we took my Mother In Law before dropping her off at the airport in Redmond, and didn't have time to hike down, but anywhere alone the parking lot you can still get spectacular views and pictures. We drove to the very end and there was a small stage with benches to sit on and flat trails right off to follow. We saw eagles and wild bunnies. Afterwards we drove back up to the middle parking and parked by a playground and picnic tables.

Be prepared for hot temperatures if you're headed out there in the summer, and be sure to bring lots of water because depending on the trail your on, shade will be minimal. We took the kids and did one of the more mild hikes with them that went along the river and had caves, beautiful scenery and wild life. They have bathrooms down by the trails and at the top of the parking lot

It is $5 to park or free if you have a National Parks Pass. SO whether you've got time to hike, mountain bike, daring enough to rock climb the rocks or only have time to drive through it, its an incredible view that you won't regret!