Smith Rock… THE BRIDGE IS OUT! (edit: re-opened as of Oct. 6)

THE. BRIDGE. IS. OOUUUT!!

(Update: new bridge is now open)

I don’t see it posted anywhere else on the Proj, so for anyone not already aware: the footbridge at Smith is scheduled to be closed until September 22 for construction of a new bridge.

Details/updates 

And while there are ways of crossing the river without the bridge, it’s worth noting that the official stance from the state park is that they are “discouraging” doing this for the following reasons (take ‘em for what they’re worth): 

• The river level fluctuates quite a bit from day to day and may change without notice.  What might be an easy crossing one day could change quickly.
• The horse fords are not designed for human use, and can be unpredictable and dangerous.  I cannot recommend their use for wading across the river.
• Redmond Fire & Rescue and Deschutes County Search & Rescue also don’t have access across the bridge, so any emergency needs during that time put first responders at risk and response times will be delayed.
• Park staff will not be able to access compost toilets or perform trail maintenance or repairs as often, and we want to minimize those maintenance needs during this period.
• We worked with the Xerces Society and US Fish and Wildlife to survey and relocate Western Ridged Mussels under the footbridge that could be impacted by the construction.  In a very small area, we relocated 148 of these threatened mussels, which are being considered for ESA listing.  Wading can crush and kill them and damages their habitat.
• Boulder hopping near the lower gorge is also very dangerous and not recommended.

Damned! I'll be there for a week in September (I've never been). How hard is the river crossing really?

Climbers have been fording the river at low water since the sixties. It is the shortest approach if you were headed over Asterisk Pass or to climbs left of there. You walk from the bivi down past Rope De Dope rock, then out to the river and look for the flats where the river is slow and knee deep. A stick is helpful for balance. It's dead easy, I've even done it with my 10 year old kids.

That being said, sounds like the park is frowning on it...even though the well worn trails clearly lead to the ford on both sides. The point about SAR not being able to ford with a stretcher is valid. 

There is a lot of trad and sport that doesn't require crossing the bridge: The lower gorge and Staender Ridge for example. Not to mention Trout and the Portland crags. 

Thanks Mark, much appreciated!

Delayed until mid October it now says. 

tip: Bring some tevas/chacos etc... to cross the river. Helps immensely. Saw some barefooters slip and soaked their bags. 

Sounds like folks are fording the river under Rope de Dope? How deep / swift is the water there?

They really advise not crossing the river.. this may be due to higher volumes of visitors and wanting the preservation of the riverbed. Respecting the land of the crag just as well is part of our duties as rock climbers. 

They really advise not crossing the river.. this may be due to higher volumes of visitors and wanting the preservation of the riverbed. Respecting the land of the crag just as well is part of our duties as rock climbers. 

Mercedes Cervanteswrote:

They really advise not crossing the river.. this may be due to higher volumes of visitors and wanting the preservation of the riverbed. Respecting the land of the crag just as well is part of our duties as rock climbers. 

I've heard this a lot on the internet, but no ranger IRL has ever told me that crossing is not recommended.  Even as they are standing there watching people cross.  Realistically, if they don't want people to cross, they should either provide an alternate means of crossing, simply outright ban crossing, shut down that portion of the park, or at least put up signs at the designated fords that say "please do not cross". 

If a ranger at the park tells me not to cross, I'll 100% respect it and not cross. 

From the official state park website (https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=36):

The pedestrian bridge spanning Crooked River at Smith Rock State Park is temporarily closed through at least September and possibly into mid-October. Please don't wade across the river

Artem Vee wrote:

Or let us walk on the bridge, because it's still up and load bearing - the ends are just a little dug up.

They removed the old bridge on September 26th: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxt4-dRi1_y/

Edit: I definitely regret getting involved in this discussion.

Kyle Tarrywrote:

Edit: I definitely regret getting involved in this discussion.

Something we can all agree on lol 

Artem Vee wrote:

...each time I’ve been out since the bridge has gotten gated off, there been at least 30-50 climbers wading the river per day, probably more...

Definitely more, especially on weekends. There have been a fair number of hikers as well..   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NDU6MzaRpw

Smith Rock TV.... they need subs

Back open today

Nice looking bridge!

Artem Vee wrote:

They didn't ban it - so... realistically if they really want people not to do it, they would have provided a tyro or allowed us to rig one. Or let us walk on the bridge, because it's still up and load bearing - the ends are just a little dug up. But this is the land of the liability scared orgs and bubble wrap coddling - so no tyro, no bridge. River crossing it is. It's not like people are going to not climb in the park at all for however many months it will be to be done with the bridge.

That would be silly... ban all options to cross the river and then get upset because people... well.. crossed the river. By default that would be an admin failure if their goal is to actually successfully protect the river bed. To hope that climbers will leave the main area alone is unrealistic. 

Great point..