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 by a pretty dark past.

Smith Rock State Park is located in Oregon's high desert. Divided into a southern region and a northern region, the desert spans nearly five Oregon counties, averaging 4,000 feet above sea level. 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. And while Smith Rock really is breathtakingly beautiful, it's haunted by a dark past.

In fact, two separate, significant, historical tragedies have occurred here.

The first occurred 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. However, what actually happened was that during a battle, Volk Smith lost his footing and tragically fell to his death. Extensive research supports this second theory; however, it still gives you pause, especially when descending these treacherous steps.

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

There's also Skull Hollow Campground. Here, you can sleep under a gorgeous blanket of stars—they truly do shine bright overhead. But, 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. When the travelers realized Meek had led them astray, many were outraged and planned to hang him. But Meek escaped overnight, abandoning all of the travelers who had followed him into the Oregon wilderness. In the weeks that followed, at least 23 people died, right here in what is now Skull Hollow Campground.

Nearly 20 years had 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. It is also a mysterious and magical natural wonder in Oregon—and its troubling past only makes it that much more intriguing. Even the most beautiful places have their own deep, dark secrets.

So, did you know the gruesome history at this Oregon destination? Are you interested in another spooky story? Learn all about the legend of the Bandage Man. Just be warned ... this story is super creepy and you likely won't sleep a wink.

Plan your own trip to Oregon's Smith Rock State Park with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.