I am headed to bend now from Portland and am planning on climbing at smith the next couple of days. We are planning on leaving before the eclipse but are wondering if the bivy site is packed because of the eclipse. If so, any alternate suggestions on camping?
All the OR state parks campsites sold out for eclipse weekend in 1.5 hours. While the bivy is first come first serve, it is most likely already full. There is BLM land outside of Skull Hollow campground which is pretty popular for climbers. I imagine this will also be packed. High clearance vehicle recommended but not required. If headed that way, expect heavy traffic and lots of people. Non-event weekends are busy so I can't even imagine what this weekend will look like. Great opportunity for an economic boost for the park and surrounding area.