Posted in Oregon Camping, Nature, State Parks February 18, 2021 by Sarah McCosham

This Oregon Campground Was Once The Site Of A Gruesome Massacre

Oregon is a stunning natural beauty; but buried in its beautiful landscape, there are tragedies from over the years — natural events, lives lived, and history unfolding. The Oregon Trail is perhaps the state’s most heartbreaking tragedy, with the dangerous journey claiming the lives of some 20,000 pioneers. However, if you’ve ever visited Smith Rock State Park, you might be shocked to learn that this picturesque place is haunted with a pretty dark past. This Oregon campground was once the site of a gruesome massacre, and it’s a story that even lifelong Oregonians may not know about.

Smith Rock State Park is a state park located in Oregon's high desert.

The park covers an expansive 650 acres in central Oregon.

The park's most notable feature is its impressive geology. Its rock faces are comprised of welded tuff, or compressed volcanic ash, formed 30 million years ago.

Smith Rock really is breathtakingly beautiful -- but it's haunted by a dark past.

The first: During a heated battle between the U.S. Cavalry and native peoples, U.S. private Volk Smith is said to have leapt to his death from the rock ridge to avoid capture.

What actually happened: during a battle, Volk Smith lost his footing, and tragically fell to his death.

And that's not the only tragedy to befall Smith Rock State Park.

There's also Skull Hollow Campground. This popular campground's name is, sadly, not a misnomer.

Back in 1845, Stephen Meek, a wagon master and guide on the Oregon Trail, led an ill-fated group of wagons looking for a way across the Cascades.

Many people died along the way -- partly because Meek had taken a new route, and lost his way.

But Meek escaped overnight, abandoning all of the travelers who had followed him into the Oregon wilderness.

Nearly 20 years passed, when, following a skirmish with Chief Paulina at Smith Rock, the U.S. Cavalry came across the remains of that fateful trek.

Today, of course, you wouldn't have any idea of the horrors that happened in this beautiful place.

Smith Rock State Park is beloved among outdoor enthusiasts, offering incredible hiking, climbing, and camping.

And the only real danger here is the land itself, which can be quite hazardous if not handled with caution and care.

Smith Rock State Park is a mysterious and magical natural wonder in Oregon.

Smith Rock State Park — it’s one of Oregon’s most glorious state parks; and Skull Hollow Campground is a beloved and popular camping spot. But everywhere, even the most incredibly beautiful places, have their own deep, dark secrets.

So did you know about the loss of life on this Oregon campground? This happened a long time ago, but it definitely makes you think twice before spending the night out at Smith Rock State Park! Now that you’re camping at a bona fide crime scene, you’ll need some spooky tales for the campfire! And we have one: the Legend of The Bandage Man… but just be warned: this one is super creepy.

Address: Smith Rock, Oregon 97760, USA

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