Sky Watch Friday/ Monkey Face

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A cloudy view over Monkey Face from Smith Rock

Smith Rock

Sunday we went for a drive, i was feeling pretty house bound, so a drive was in order so one of the stops we made was Smith Rock, famous for rock climbers.
click on the photos for more detailed views

WARNING!!!

Climbing is extremely dangerous. YOU MAY DIE or be seriously injured.

Smith Rock, a 641-acre park, is located in central Oregon. The rock there is welded tuff, consolidated from molten ash 30 million years ago. I like to describe it as tiny pebbles held together by plaster of paris. Along the Crooked River, in the upper and lower gorge, are basalt cliffs as well.

There are over a thousand climbs at Smith Rock, both sport and traditional, up to 600 feet high. Besides having one of the most difficult climbs in the country ('Just Do It' - 5.14c), it also hosts an array of easier and challenging climbs. For example, over 75 three and four star climbs are rated 5.10.

If you enlarge the photo you will see a climber on the rock.There have been several people that have died or been seriously hurt. This is one of Central Oregons finest for visitors who love to climb. But it also has a beautiful hiking area, which we didn't do this time as it was too cold and we didn't have a permit.