The Best Unique Rock Formations throughout Oregon

Utah is one of my favorite states because of it’s unique and stunning rock formations. But did you know that Oregon has some little pieces of what I call “Utah in Oregon” where you can see hoodoos and red rocks? I’m going to share 6 amazing places to see unique Utah-like rocks in Oregon.

Smith Rock

Smith Rock State Park is easily the most popular place on this list. It is a rock climber paradise located in Terrebonne, a small central Oregon town. There are miles of trails in every direction, but the most popular trial is up Misery Ridge. It is a 2.2 mile trail with 1,115ft in elevation gain. From the top you can see the entire state park below, and mountains in the distance. From the top many hikers chose to continue and do the loop and that takes you down the backside past Monkey Face, a famous rock formation where you’ll spot some climbers if you’re lucky, and along the river. This loop is 3.5 miles and well worth the extra distance.

This park is a beautiful spot for sunrise and sunset and has something for all skill levels and abilities. There are paved paths on the ridge where the parking lot is, as well as a visitor center, playground and picnic tables. You can easily walk the paths above without having to go into the canyon. If you want to rock climb or hike within the park, you will need to hike down into the canyon and cross a foot bridge to the other side of the Crooked River. Once across the footbridge there are three options; left along the river trail towards Monkey Face, straight up Misery Ridge or right along the river.

Most people go left or straight to do Misery Ridge and the river loop. If you decide to go right it will take you towards Burma Road, a forest service road that goes up a neighboring butte overlooking the park. Most of the rock formations are along the river loop to the left, so this side of the park is less trafficked.

This State Park is easily the busiest and most well known spot on this list. Summer weekends are near impossible to park if you don’t arrive by 8am. Even then you may be hunting for the last spot. Avoid weekends if you can or go in off seasons. I prefer going the other three seasons of the year because there’s less crowds and the same amazing views!

You can learn more through my “Smith Rock State Park” guide. Learn where to camp, what trails to take and when to visit.

Important things to note:

• This State Park is extremely busy in the summer months. Even on a weekday the parking lot fills up fast. If you want to attempt to go on a weekend be there before 8am or plan to wait for a spot to open.

• The trail is made of fine, loose, sand-like rock that is extremely slippery on the steep downhill. Bring hiking poles or shoes with good traction to help with slipping.

• There is a $5 state park fee you can pay in the parking lot or you can purchase a yearly state park pass ahead of time as a local REI or online at the Park Store.

• Pack plenty of water, especially in the summer months. If you have a water filter you can filter along the river. There is a water fountain just before crossing the river.

Crack in the Ground

Crack in the ground is exactly what it says it is, a large crack in the ground. Instead of climbing up onto these rocks, you hike down into an ancient volcanic fissure located outside Central Oregon. The fissure is over 2 miles long and up to 70 feet deep. There are some areas I would consider unsafe to climb, so make your own personal judgement in safety and know your limit! A fall here could be deadly. There are plenty of walkable areas though and you can walk along the rim to get a view down if you’re uncomfortable hiking inside.

Important things to note:

• The temperature is the crack is drastically different than the temperature outside of it. Pack layers and if you go between fall and spring pack for below freezing temperatures. If it’s freezing the rocks could be slippery and unsafe.

• Four wheel drive cars are recommended, but you can make it in a low clearance car if you go slow. We made it in a sprinter van fine. There is a lot of washboard sections the entire way.

• If you go when temperatures are below freezing be aware that the rocks can be extremely slippery from ice. Move with caution.

• There are areas where you can easily hike on solid ground and areas where you will have to potentially scramble over large boulders to continue. Know you limit and be willing to turn around if you are not comfortable moving forward. Some of the drop offs are quite large. A fall here could be deadly.

Fort Rock State Nature Area

This state nature area is just over an hour outside of Bend and on the way to Crack In The Ground. If you plan to visit Crack In The Ground, I would highly recommend adding on this short detour if you can. This rock formation is known as a tuff ring, located on an ice age lake bed. The trail around the inside of the riff is only 1.1 miles round trip. You can add on miles by exploring the various trails within the area. I was able to meet and talk to the volunteer park host while I was there, so be sure to check in with them if you want to learn more about the area.

Important things to note:

• Read all signs before venturing out. Areas of the park are closed seasonally to protect wildlife during nesting seasons.

• There are no campgrounds here, but it does have a nice picnic area and flushing toilets next to the parking lot.

• Be sure to have a full tank of gas before heading out here.

Leslie Gulch

Visiting Leslie Gulch is quite the commitment unless you live in Idaho or Eastern Oregon, but it’s always worth the long monotonous drive through cow fields. Once you start dropping into the gulch you’ll begin to see these beautiful rocks starting to appear before the road leads into a large canyon with red rocks towering over you on all sides.

There is a boat launch at the end of the road as well as a small campground (no fee). Every time we’ve gone there’s only bene one other person at the campground, and it’s one of the best places to stargaze. Be warned you will have some friendly bats flying overhead as you stargaze. They won’t bother you, but every so often one will fly very close to you. There are multiple trails along the road you can stop and explore. It is easy to take different paths so be sure you have a downloaded map prior to going so you can always find your way back.

Juniper Gulch is my favorite trail, but if you have time, explore as many as you can! Another must-see spot near Leslie Gulch is Succor Creek State Nature Area. You will want to have a pre-downloaded or paper map to get between these areas and then back home. There will not be service. Succor Creek has a campground (no fee) and sits right along a small creek surrounded by lush greens trees. It is a literal desert oasis!

Important things to note:

• There is no cell service out there and there won’t be cell service within a an hour or more either. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

• This area has rattlesnakes so be aware of your surroundings and wear proper shoes. It might be warm in the summer, but sandals on the trails is not safe in snake territory.

• There are no water sources in or around the Leslie Gulch area, so pack plenty of water for the amount of days you will be out there.

• Be sure you have a paper map or a digital map that will work without service. Because there is no service, getting directions won’t be possible and there are multiple areas to explore.

• Be sure to have a full tank of gas before going out here, pay attention to how much gas you have and consider being king an extra can if you can.

Oregon Coast

The Oregon coat is a pretty massive place to list for rock formations, but that’s the amazing thing about the Oregon Coast, there are so many amazing rocks scattered throughout the entire coastline. I’ll list my top rock formations and where to find them, but I highly encourage you to just venture down the 101 and stop at random beaches!

My favorite spots for rock formations:

• Samuel H Boardman
• Cannon Beach
• Bandon Beach
• Harris Beach State Park
• Pacific Beach
• Cape Blanco

Although I listed a few places, explore the coast and stop whenever your heart desires because you are sure to discover unique places along the way! You can learn about “The Best Oregon Coast Hikes” through my guide.

Important Things to note:

• Be aware of the tide schedule before going to the beach. Many of these rocks will either be surrounded by water at high tide or you can walk right up to them at low tide.

• Be careful on cliff-sides! The ground underneath can be unstable from ocean waves and never climb over a fence.

Oregon Hoodoos

The Oregon Hoodoos are an extremely unknown spot in Central Oregon and just over an hour outside of Bend. The drive will take you out past Lake Billy Chinook to a short hike from the side of the road. Luckily the road is paved right until just before the parking area. The trail is also an easy .6 miles round trip, mostly flat trail.

Important things to note:

• You will most likely not have cell service while at the hoodoos so have an active map running before you get to Lake Billy Chinook for driving directions.

• Pack plenty of water, but there are campgrounds if you run out.

• Bring a state park pass if you want to explore around Lake Billy Chinook and hike while you’re out there. This trailhead doesn’t require one, but others near the lake will.

• Be sure to have a full tank of gas before heading out here.

John Day Fossil Bed

The John Day Fossil Bed Monument is actually spread out over three separate units: The Painted Hills, Sheep Rock and Clarno. You could do all three on a long day trip loop from Central Oregon or camp someplace near them.

The Clarno Unit is an hour and half outside Redmond along highway 218. It has beautiful rock formations and visible fossils. There are multiple trails to explore, but my favorite area is the Arch Rock Trail.

The Painted Hills unit is 9 miles outside of Mitchell, and by far the most popular and photographed. This area is listed as one of the 7 Wonders of the world. It is a surprisingly small area from what I first expected. It feels other worldly with hills of vibrant minerals throughout. They appear to be sandlike. There are 5 trails ranging from .25 to 1.3 miles so it’s a very family-friendly area. The most popular trail is the boardwalk at The Painted Cove Trail. It will allow you to get you close to the formations as you walk between them. Do not go off trail or touch the hills!

The Sheep Unit contains the main visitor center. It is the farthest East and about 30 minutes from Mitchell. The best area to hike here is the Blue Basin. Yes, the hills are actually blue! You can walk 1.2 miles within the canyon walls where you will see fossils among the rocks formations. Another option is the 4 mile overlook trail that takes you around the entire area.

Important things to note:

• John Days Fossil Beds and it’s surrounding areas have little to no cell service. Tell someone your route and ETA home. Have a downloaded or paper map for driving and trail directions prior to going out there.

• In the summer months there area can exceed 100°F with little to no water sources. Pack plenty of water and assume each person will need to consume a gallon of water per day.

• These three Units are very fragile so respect the signs and remain on trail. Touching or walking on the formations can ruin them.

• Be sure to have a full tank of gas and know where you can fill up with limited cell service.

Reminders

These areas are full of beauty and need to be protected. Before visiting them be sure to read up on the Leave No Trace Principles. Never mark, scratch, or remove rocks. Marking on rocks is a form of vandalism, and fineable. Be sure to pack out all your trash and dispose of waste properly. Many of these areas are remote, so be sure you have plenty of gas and consider bringing a can of extra gas in case you run out. Most of these areas will have rattlesnakes present so wear proper shoes and know what to expect if you have a rattlesnake encounter. Be sure to pack plenty of water and if you are hiking in summer months, plan to drink a gallon of water per day.

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