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keithspernak
Mar 4, 2009, 1:27 PM
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Just wanted to know what areas at smith are closed as of 3/09. I am aware of the closures in the Monument area and the 300' buffer from that, as it is well posted along the trail. I think I read somewhere the Red Wall is sometimes closed, but have never seen anything posted in the park. What about the Marsupials?
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Tree_wrangler
Mar 5, 2009, 4:54 PM
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This isn't gospel, but I think that Red Wall only closes if the birds that normally nest in the 300' closure choose red wall instead.
I don't think the marsupials are closed, but there is a pair of prairie falcons that lives in the cirque where the cave route starts. I think that they hang out on the other side of the cirque mostly, though, and I've heard of no closures.
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keithspernak
Mar 5, 2009, 5:32 PM
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A few years back I talked with some climbers from Bend who were doing on of the multis on the Red Wall and were dived bombed by one of the Goldens. I've been dived bombed by a pair of laughing ravens, and it scared the living shit out of me. I couldn't imagine being swooped by a golden eagle! Anyway they said they never saw anything posted.
It is always so lonely over in those areas, so I am sometimes kinda paranoid there is some type of closure, especially this time of year.
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Tree_wrangler
Mar 5, 2009, 10:27 PM
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I've been "swooped" by the golden over under parking lot crack before......It was huge! But it wasn't acting like we were a bother or anything.....It just wanted to check us out, and then it went off about it's business.
It is kind of lonely over there, and even more so the further out you go.....lots of cool wildlife and plants not seen in the more traveled areas.
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bandycoot
Mar 5, 2009, 10:30 PM
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Seems like you should be able to contact the land managers and find out what is closed. And then you could come back and post it here to inform others of the closures.
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Tree_wrangler
Mar 6, 2009, 3:45 PM
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As stated on the Access Fund Closure page:
"Smith Rock State Park
Closures are in effect from Feb. 1 through Aug. 1 in the Monument Area (all routes in this area) and Little Three Fingered Jack (all routes in this area) For further information, please call 541.548.7501."
You can call if you want, but the Red Wall has never been closed during any of my visits during the last 15 years. Given the status of the park, I would freely assume that any major areas (like Red Wall), will be posted. Also watch for any temporary signage near the parking area......
I am also sure that, if one of the "backcountry" crags outside of the state park has raptors, it will NOT be signed. It would be worth the phone call if you intend to visit one of the remote spires.
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keithspernak
Mar 6, 2009, 4:13 PM
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Thanks for the info. I typically avoid any kind of land (mis)management. I've been out at Smith quite frequently in the past 6 months and never see anything posted beyond the Monument area. My finger is trashed, so I've been wandering away from the "normal" areas at smith in search of cracks and moderate climbs. Just wondering.........
Don't hesitate to contact me if you are ever looking for a partner in Central Oregon.
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