Deschutes County

Dubbed the "Birthplace of American Sport Climbing," Smith Rock State Park in Deschutes County boasts the first climb in America that established the 5.14 grade—one of the most technically-difficult ratings in the sport. Famed climber Alan Watts was key to putting this spectacular spot to "hang" out on the map in the 1980s, as he elevated Smith Rock's incredible crags and cracks to new heights. Today, the park has thousands of climbing routes on walls like Monkey Face, Morning Glory, and The Marsupials, as well as many miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. And, to top it off, the Crooked River runs through the middle of the park, making it a picturesque, "pitch" perfect paradise in Central Oregon's High Desert.