Outdoor recreation
Get Outside
From a world-famous climbing destination in Terrebonne to a canyon trail that runs right through downtown Redmond, the outdoors is always close.
Our backyard at a glance
- Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne: one of the top climbing destinations in the country, and a spectacular hike for everyone.
- Dry Canyon Trail: nearly 4 miles of paved trail running through an ancient canyon in the heart of Redmond.
- The Crooked River winds through both Smith Rock and the surrounding terrain, offering fishing, wildlife watching, and scenery.
- Sno-parks and winter recreation are a short drive away when the season turns.
Smith Rock State Park
Terrebonne, right next door
Smith Rock State Park
One of the seven wonders of Oregon and considered the birthplace of American sport climbing, Smith Rock rises 600 feet above the Crooked River just outside Terrebonne. The park is a world-class destination for rock climbing, hiking, wildlife watching, and photography, and it is less than 10 miles from downtown Redmond. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Hiking
The Misery Ridge Trail is the park's iconic route with sweeping high desert views. Easier options follow the river below the cliffs. Trails range from flat river walks to steep climbs. Open dawn to dusk daily, year-round.
Rock Climbing
More than 1,500 routes across all skill levels, from beginner-friendly to some of the most demanding climbs in the country. No permit needed to climb; a vehicle day-use permit is required to park.
Day-Use Parking
A day-use vehicle permit is required: $10 for Oregon residents, $12.50 for non-Oregon residents. Annual passes available at the park Welcome Center, online at oregonstateparks.org, and at Oliver Lemon's in Terrebonne. Bivy camping is available first-come, first-serve at $12 per person per night.
Getting There
From Redmond, head north on US-97, take the Terrebonne exit, and follow signs.
Dry Canyon Trail
Right through downtown Redmond
Dry Canyon Trail
An ancient lava canyon cuts right through the middle of Redmond, and the city has turned it into one of Central Oregon's best urban trail systems. The main paved trail runs nearly 4 miles from NW 19th Street in the north to Quartz Avenue in the south, connecting parks, sports fields, a disc golf course, an amphitheater, and open high desert habitat. The canyon walls are a geological wonder and the trail is flat, wide, and accessible to walkers, cyclists, skaters, and strollers.
Trail Details
Paved, mostly flat (less than 5% grade throughout), 3.8 miles one way. Multiple access points with parking, restrooms, water, and picnic areas. Dogs are welcome on leash. Free, no permit needed. Open year-round.
Trailheads and Access
Main north trailhead: NW 19th St, Redmond (near the Water Pollution Control Facility). Main south access: Quartz Avenue, Redmond. Bowlby Park and American Legion Park (850 SW Rimrock Way) are accessible mid-trail entry points. Accessible parking at multiple locations along the route.
What to Explore
Sports fields, playgrounds, a disc golf course, an amphitheater, interpretive kiosks about the canyon's geology, cliff swallow colonies, and open juniper-sagebrush habitat in the northern stretch. Wildlife sightings include foxes, deer, and ground squirrels.
More Info
Managed by the Redmond Area Park and Recreation District (RAPRD). City of Redmond Parks: redmondoregon.gov.
Parks & Fields
Close to home
Redmond Area Park and Recreation District (RAPRD)
Manages parks, athletic fields, playgrounds, and the activity center across Redmond. Find a full list of parks and facilities at raprd.org, or call 541-548-6066.
RAPRD Activity Center
Indoor recreation, fitness, classes, and youth and adult programs.
Terrebonne Community Park
A neighborhood park and gathering space in Terrebonne, close to Smith Rock.
Crooked River Ranch Recreation
Crooked River Ranch maintains its own parks and open space for residents of the community.
Trails & Nature
Explore further
Crooked River
Flows through Smith Rock State Park and winds through the surrounding high desert. Popular for fly fishing, wildlife watching (eagles, herons, river otters), and scenery. Check Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current fishing regulations at myodfw.com.
Gray Butte Trail
A moderately challenging out-and-back trail north of Redmond with panoramic views of the Cascades and high desert. Access via Lone Pine Road. Part of the BLM Prineville District.
Cove Palisades State Park
About 30 minutes from Redmond, this park sits above Lake Billy Chinook at the confluence of three river canyons. Swimming, boating, camping, and dramatic canyon views.
Prineville Reservoir State Park
About 20 miles from Redmond, popular for boating, fishing, and camping.
Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
A roadside rest area on the banks of the Deschutes River, just south of Redmond. Shaded picnic spots, fishing access, and river views. Be aware of swift currents and hidden obstructions. Do not swim, float, or boat without a life jacket. Day-use parking permit required ($5 on site). No alcohol without a permit.
Steelhead Falls Trail
A short, relatively easy 0.5-mile hike to a scenic waterfall on the Deschutes River, managed by the BLM Prineville District. Colorful grooved cliffs, spring wildflowers, and golden eagles overhead. Fish, picnic, or relax by the falls. Open year-round, no fees. Overnight camping available (first come, first served). Watch for rattlesnakes around rocks and brush. Dogs should be leashed at the trailhead and camping area.
Tumalo Falls Day Use Area
A popular Deschutes National Forest site with beautiful views of Tumalo Falls just minutes from the trailhead. Picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking (North Fork Trail is uphill-only for bikes). Day use only, no overnight camping. $5 per vehicle per day or a recreation pass required. Note: dogs, bikes, and camping are prohibited inside the Bend Municipal Watershed. 27-foot vehicle length limit due to limited parking.
Winter & Sno-Parks
When the snow arrives
Hoodoo Ski Area
A full ski and snowboard resort on the Santiam Pass, about an hour from Redmond.
Swampy Lakes and Meissner Sno-Parks
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Deschutes National Forest, southeast of Bend. Oregon Sno-Park permits required from November through April. Purchase at tripcheck.com or at local outdoor retailers.
Sno-Park Permits
Required for all sno-park use November 1 through April 30. Daily and seasonal permits. Buy online at tripcheck.com, at Oregon DMV, or at sporting goods stores.
Safety Outside
Before you go
High desert conditions
Summers in our area are sunny, dry, and hot, often above 90 degrees. Winters bring cold snaps, wind, and occasional ice. The sun is intense year-round at our elevation. For every outing: bring more water than you think you need, apply sunscreen, tell someone your plan and when to expect you back, and check the weather before you head out.
Heat and Sun
Most trails in this area have little shade. Start hikes early, especially in summer. Carry at least one liter of water per person per hour of activity. Know the signs of heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cold or pale skin, a fast weak pulse, nausea.
Fire and Smoke
During wildfire season, smoke can arrive quickly and trails may close. Check air quality before heading out and have a plan to turn back. See our Seasonal Safety page for air quality resources.
Wildlife
Our area is home to rattlesnakes, coyotes, and birds of prey. Stay on marked trails, keep dogs leashed, and give wildlife space. Smith Rock has seasonal climbing closures to protect nesting raptors.
Emergency
For a wilderness emergency, call 911. In areas without cell service, carry a satellite communicator. Download AllTrails or use a paper map for trails outside cell coverage.