Attractions and Places To See around Redmond - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Redmond include a diverse range of natural features and challenging trails. The region is characterized by its dramatic geological formations, including deep gorges and towering rock spires. It offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and river exploration. This area provides a unique landscape for visitors seeking natural beauty and adventure.
Best attractions and places to see around Redmond
- The most popular attractions is Monkey Face Rock, a climb that is one of the most legendary climbing rocks. It is known for its towering 350-foot spire, defining Smith Rock State Park.
- Another must-see spot is Misery Ridge Trail, a challenging trail with a summit. This trail offers sweeping views of rock formations and distant mountains from its 3,360-foot summit.
- Visitors also love Crooked River, a river known for its magnificent scenery. It features spectacular rock formations and sheer cliffs throughout its course, making it popular for fishing and scenic views.
- Redmond is known for its rivers, trails, and challenging climbs. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from family-friendly paths to demanding ascents.
- The attractions around Redmond are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 15 photos shared and 29 upvotes for the highlights.
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Crooked River
Highlight • River
Or as someone said: the wild west for your pocket. The area is comparatively tiny and can be explored in a relatively short time, but still offers intensive impressions of the landscape forms that characterize the west, including the associated fauna and flora. Surprisingly, if you take the less traveled paths along the river, you will soon be alone with the birds of prey and waterfowl.
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Monkey Face Rock
Highlight • Climb
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River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Misery Ridge Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Misery Ridge Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Tips from the Community
Strongly suggest you walk this trail clockwise. This means you descend on steps rather than very slippy gravel & sand.
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The River Trail is an easy, mostly flat out-and-back path that stretches 2.5 miles along the scenic Crooked River, with stunning views of the park's iconic rock formations. It's a fantastic trail for watching climbers and spotting wildlife. While you're here, you might see a deer fording the river, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an otter family swimming by. The trail also connects to other paths in the park and is a favorite for families who want to take in the scenery while enjoying mostly flat terrain.
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The Crooked River meanders slowly through the Smith Rocks, providing a home for herons, mergansers, geese and other birds.
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Look closely on Monkey Face for climbers. You'll often see them resting in the "mouth".
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The pain of the climb is worth the gain - epic views of the Smith Rock basin and the Cascade Mountains in the distance. Once you are on the top, you'll have easy access to Monkey Face - a gorgeous column of rock that often has climbers hanging from its precipices.
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Well worth the effort with sweeping views of the rock formations and distant mountains. Be sure to carry extra water in the summer months as the trail is quite exposed.
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From the desolation of Misery Flat near Glass Buttes, the South Fork Crooked River embarks on a 76-mile journey north. Joining forces with Beaver Creek and the North Fork Crooked River, it carves a path through the Ochoco and Maury Mountains, passing by Post and Prineville, finally reaching us here at Smith Rock before becoming a part of the Deschutes River system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular outdoor activities around Redmond?
Redmond is renowned for its outdoor opportunities, particularly hiking, climbing, and river exploration. Popular attractions include Monkey Face Rock, a legendary climbing spot, and the challenging Misery Ridge Trail, offering sweeping views. The Crooked River is also a favorite for scenic views and fishing.
Are there family-friendly trails or attractions in Redmond?
Yes, Redmond offers several family-friendly options. The River Trail is an easy, mostly flat path along the Crooked River, perfect for families to enjoy scenic views and spot wildlife. Many parks in the wider Redmond area also feature accessible trails and picnic areas.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Redmond?
The Redmond area is characterized by dramatic geological formations, including deep gorges and towering rock spires. You'll find magnificent scenery along the Crooked River with its spectacular rock formations and sheer cliffs. Viewpoints like those from Monkey Face Rock and Misery Ridge Trail offer expansive vistas of these unique landscapes.
What are some challenging hikes or climbs in the area?
For those seeking a challenge, the Misery Ridge Trail is a demanding ascent to a 3,360-foot summit with rewarding views. Monkey Face Rock is a legendary 350-foot spire that attracts climbers, and Asterisk Pass is another challenging route cherished by climbers.
What are the best trails for hiking around Redmond?
Beyond the well-known Misery Ridge Trail and River Trail, you can explore a variety of hiking routes. For more options, check out the Hiking around Redmond guide, which includes trails like Talon, Rokbar, Heritage, Big Bark, Lost Dream, Loop, and the Dry Canyon Trail.
Are there easy hiking options near Redmond?
Yes, there are several easy hikes suitable for a relaxed outing. The River Trail is an excellent choice, being mostly flat and offering beautiful scenery. You can find more easy routes in the Easy hikes around Redmond guide, such as the Crooked River Trail, Dry Canyon Trail, and Cline Falls.
What cycling routes are available near Redmond attractions?
Redmond is known as the 'Bicycle Capital of the Northwest' and offers an extensive network of bike-friendly paths. For cycling enthusiasts, routes like the Dry Canyon Trail, Eagle Crest Resort loop, and the Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway Loop are popular. Discover more options in the Cycling around Redmond guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Redmond?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking views and unique geological formations. Many enjoy watching climbers on Monkey Face Rock and the intense impressions of the landscape along the Crooked River. The challenging yet rewarding nature of trails like Misery Ridge Trail is also a highlight for many.
Can I see wildlife along the trails in Redmond?
Yes, the natural areas around Redmond, particularly along the Crooked River and its trails, are excellent for wildlife viewing. You might spot deer, various bird species including birds of prey and waterfowl, and if you're lucky, even otter families swimming by.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Redmond?
While the guide focuses on natural attractions, the broader Redmond area has a rich history. The Redmond Historical Society offers insights into the city's past, and the Eastside Heritage Center preserves regional history. For a unique cultural experience, the Bear Creek Site is an archaeological site with artifacts dating back over 12,000 years.
What are some unique natural features in the Redmond area?
The Redmond area is home to unique geological formations such as the towering 350-foot spire of Monkey Face Rock and the dramatic sheer cliffs and rock formations along the Crooked River. These features create a landscape often described as the 'wild west' for its intensive natural beauty.
What is the best time to visit Redmond for outdoor activities?
The Redmond area offers outdoor activities year-round, but spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and climbing. Summers can be hot and dry, requiring extra water on trails, while winters can offer a different, often quieter, experience of the landscape.
Most popular attractions around Redmond
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