Why Misery Ridge Is the Signature Hike
If you only have time for one trail at Smith Rock State Park, make it the Misery Ridge Loop. This roughly 3.7 to 4 mile loop packs the entire personality of the park into a couple of hours: a punishing climb up the spine of the ridge, a knockout view of the volcanic spires, a face-to-face encounter with the famous Monkey Face tower, and a flat, river-hugging walk back to the footbridge. The name is honest. The first push gains around 700 feet in well under a mile, mostly on rocky switchbacks and a set of carved stone steps. But the payoff per step of effort is hard to beat anywhere in Oregon's high desert.
This guide breaks down the loop direction by direction so you know exactly what you are walking into before you cross the Crooked River. For a full two-day plan that pairs this hike with the rest of the park, see our Smith Rock weekend itinerary.
The Climb: Stairs, Switchbacks, and Strategy
From the main parking lot you drop down the access road, cross the Crooked River footbridge, and turn left to find the start of the Misery Ridge Trail. Most hikers climb the ridge first and descend past Monkey Face, which gets the hardest part over while your legs are fresh and saves the gentle River Trail for the tired walk home.
The ascent is steep but short. You will hit stone staircases and packed-dirt switchbacks that climb fast. Take it in stages, step off to the side to let faster hikers and trail runners pass, and look back often. The view of the river bending around the tuff cliffs gets better with every switchback. Within 30 to 45 minutes most people reach the top of the ridge.
The Summit Views and Monkey Face
The top of Misery Ridge is the highlight reel. You get a sweeping panorama of the park, the Crooked River canyon below, and on clear days the snow-capped Cascade peaks, including Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters, floating on the western horizon. Keep walking and the trail brings you to the back side of Monkey Face, a 350-foot freestanding spire that looks exactly like its name suggests. You will almost always spot climbers working the routes, and the natural cave that forms the monkey's mouth is visible from the trail.
This is the spot to stop, eat a snack, and soak it in. There is no shade up here, so on hot days you will be glad you started early.
The Descent and the River Trail Return
From Monkey Face the trail descends the far side of the ridge on a series of steep switchbacks. Watch your footing on the loose volcanic gravel. At the bottom you meet the Mesa Verde Trail and then the flat River Trail, which curves back along the Crooked River to the footbridge. This stretch is shaded in spots, lined with junipers and sagebrush, and a completely different experience from the climb. Watch for golden eagles, prairie falcons, and river otters along the water.
What to Bring and Trail Logistics
- Water: Carry at least 2 liters per person. There is no water on the trail and the high desert sun is relentless.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The ridge is fully exposed.
- Footwear: Trail shoes or boots with grip for the loose descent.
- Day-use fee: Smith Rock requires a State Parks day-use permit, available at the self-pay station or via an Oregon State Parks pass.
- Parking: The main lot fills by mid-morning on weekends. Arrive before 9 a.m. or use the overflow lot in Terrebonne.
Best Time to Hike Misery Ridge
Spring and fall are ideal, with mild temperatures and wildflowers in April and May. Summer mornings are doable if you start at sunrise, but midday heat on the exposed ridge can be dangerous. Winter offers crisp, quiet hikes, though ice on the shaded switchbacks calls for caution and possibly traction spikes. No matter the season, going clockwise up the ridge first is the smartest play for both effort and crowds.
Make It a Weekend
Misery Ridge is best as the centerpiece of a longer visit. Pair it with the flat River Trail, the Wolf Tree Trail, and a sunset at the Crooked River overlook. Our full two-day Smith Rock itinerary maps out where to hike, where to stay near Terrebonne and Bend, and how to time the crowds.
Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock: The Complete Hiking Guide FAQs
The full loop is about 3.7 to 4 miles with roughly 1,000 feet of total elevation gain, most of it in the steep first half mile up the ridge. Most hikers finish in 2 to 3 hours including stops at the viewpoints.
Go clockwise: climb the ridge first, then descend past Monkey Face and return on the flat River Trail. This gets the steep climb done while your legs are fresh and saves the easy riverside walk for the end.
It is rated moderate to strenuous because of the steep, fully exposed climb up rocky switchbacks and stone steps. It is short, but the grade is no joke. Bring plenty of water and start early in summer to beat the high desert heat.
