It was morning, and it was time to leave Bend. As we headed North towards Canada, we stumbled upon a gem of Oregon – Smith Rock State Park. This park, often called the mini Grand Canyon of Oregon, boasts a unique volcanic geology that sets it apart from other destinations. Smith Rock offers a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts with miles of trails and breathtaking viewpoints.
The park is renowned for its challenging rock-climbing routes, featuring over 1800 paths for climbers to conquer. As we settled down for lunch at one of the many picnic tables, we marvelled at the sight of climbers scaling the steep, rugged cliffs. It was a humbling experience to witness their determination and skill up close.
After satisfying our appetites, we took a short walk to a nearby viewpoint. The day’s intense heat, well above 100°F, limited our time outside. The scarcity of shade made the brief stroll feel even more taxing, but the spectacular views were worth every bead of sweat. We managed to capture a few photos to remember our visit.
With memories and photos in hand, we resumed our journey, continuing our long drive home. The distance stretched ahead of us – 915 kilometres or 568.5 miles, to be exact. Although the road was long, the detour to Smith Rock State Park was a delightful and memorable chapter of our trip.
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