Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon is an increasingly popular destination. In the past five years, visitation increased from 450,000 to about 700,000 day use visitors.
Scott Brown, the park manager, said he's glad to see so many people enjoying the high desert attraction. But all those additional visitors, hikers and rock climbers tax the resources and infrastructure at the park.
“Many days of the year now, particularly in the spring and the fall, there’s no parking available," Brown said. "The restrooms, there’s long lines. There’s more trail maintenance.”
Last year, Smith Rock was featured as one of the state’s seven natural wonders in a Travel Oregon campaign, which Brown estimates attracted many new visitors to the park. He recommends going to Smith Rock on a weekday, when crowds are down and parking is not so challenging.
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