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Located in Oregon's Smith Rock State Park is Misery Ridge Trail. Despite its unfortunate name, it is in one of the most specular volcanic parts of the United States and explores Oregon's largest ancient eruption. It is a picturesque route through some of the most popular climbing territories in the country and is a route one can even take one's pooch along.
Smith Rock State Park is a manageable drive from the stunning central Oregon town of Bend - Bend is the perfect base to explore Oregon's stunning volcanic landscapes. While exploring central Oregon, take the time to explore Crater Lake National Park - it is famous for having what is believed to be the bluest waters in the world.
Smith Rock State Park - Central Oregon's Climbing Capital
Smith Rock State Park is one of the most stunning state parks in Oregon. It is located in central Oregon's High Desert and is open daily from dawn to dusk. Smith Rock itself is a 600-foot-high ridge and overlooks a bend in the Crooked River.
- Open: Daily, Dawn to Dusk
- Location: Central Oregon
Visitors who would like to stay overnight in Smith Rock State Park can stay at the camping area (although it only accommodates tents).
Smith Rock State Park is known as being one of the perfect places in the region for rock climbing for people of all experience levels. It is home to sheer cliffs made of basalt and tuff. It is even considered to be the birthplace of modern American sport climbing.
- Famous For: The Birthplace of Modern American Sport Climbing
Like much of the geology of central Oregon, Smith Rock is volcanic, and it was formed starting around 30 million years ago. The formation was created as the ancient volcano collapsed creating a 20-mile-wide caldera - although some formations date from more recent eruptions around 400,000 years ago.
- Geology: Part of A 20-Mile Wide Caldera
Hiking The Smith Rock State Park
The park is home to many miles of hiking trails with the two main trails being the Summit Trail and Misery Ridge. As the native vegetation of the area is very sensitive to damage, hikers are required to stay on the trails.
Smith Rock State Park is extremely popular for rock climbers and boasts some great trails as well. The best times for hiking are in the spring or fall before when it isn't too hot or cold.
- When To Hike: Spring or Fall (Mornings are Best)
One should also keep a lookout for rattlesnakes - there can be a lot particularly down by the river. There is also plenty of other North American wildlife that one may find throughout the state park. Keep one's eyes peeled for golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deer, river otters, and beavers.
Main Trails:
- Summit Trail
- Misery Ridge
The trail network in the park also links up with other neighboring trails that are managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
See the current updates and any other information about the Smith Rock State Park on the official State Parks Oregon website.
Misery Ridge Trail
Misery Ridge Trail is a 6-mile loop trail near Terrebonne and is something of a challenging route. It takes most hikers over 3.5 hours to complete. The views open up as one crosses the Misery Ridge Summit. Here one will get vistas of the Cascades including Mount Bachelor, the Three Sisters, Black Butte, and others.
- Length: 6 Miles or 9.7 Kilometers
- Time To Complete: Average 3.5 to 3.75 Hours
- Pets: Welcome But On A Leash
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
The elevation gain on the route is around 1,800 feet and there is a $5.00 parking fee at the trailhead.
The landscapes one is greeted with along this trail are dramatic and diverse. It is a trail one is sure to return to hike some more. The route is a popular one, so expect to see other people on the trail - perhaps even crowds in the peak months.
If one is planning to see the famous natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, then be sure to check out central Oregon. It is the perfect place for a family road trip and to discover the nation's wild side.