Smith Rock State Park, Oregon, USA

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A rock in a wild place

Here in the high desert of Central Oregon, USA, Smith Rock beckons rock climbers from around the world with its cliffs formed from volcanic tuff and basalt. Considered by many to be the birthplace of US sport climbing (climbing using permanent anchors fixed to the rock), it's home to nearly 2,000 climbing routes of all levels of difficulty. For those happier with their feet firmly on the ground, Smith Rock State Park offers the usual range of outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. And there is plenty of wildlife to spot, from prairie falcons and golden eagles to the large-eared mule deer.