Why Smith Rock Stops You in Your Tracks
Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon is where American sport climbing was born — in the 1980s, climbers pioneered routes here that changed what was considered possible on rock. But you don't need to climb to feel the pull of this place. The 650-foot rhyolite and tuff spires rising straight out of the Crooked River canyon are simply one of the most striking landscapes in the Pacific Northwest, accessible to anyone with decent hiking legs and a willingness to earn the view.
The park sits near Redmond, Oregon, in the high desert east of the Cascades — a completely different world from the rainy forests most people associate with Oregon. Expect clear skies, hot summers, cold mornings, and golden light that turns the orange rock into something almost otherworldly at sunset.
Trip Overview
- Duration: 2 days (weekend)
- Activity: Hiking, optional sport climbing
- Main loop distance: 4.3 miles (Misery Ridge + River Trail)
- Difficulty: Moderate — 800 ft gain on Misery Ridge, loose scree descent
- Start: Smith Rock State Park main trailhead, 9241 NE Crooked River Dr, Terrebonne, OR
- Permit: No permit required — day use fee $5/vehicle (Oregon State Parks pass accepted)
- Best months: March–May, September–October (summer heat can top 95°F)
- Nearest town: Redmond, OR (12 miles); Bend, OR (30 miles)
- Camping: Smith Rock Group Camp (tent sites, reservations at oregonstateparks.org) or Bivy Camp (walk-in sites at the park)
Day 1 — Misery Ridge Loop and the Monkey Face Approach
Start at the main parking area and descend the footbridge over the Crooked River. From the bridge, the trail forks immediately: right takes you along the River Trail (flat, for later); left begins the climb up Misery Ridge. The name is honest — 600 steps and loose gravel switchbacks gain 800 feet in under a mile. Go slow in morning shade and stop at every switchback for the view expanding behind you.
At the top of Misery Ridge, you're standing on a narrow spine with the entire canyon spread below. From here, follow the ridge trail south toward Monkey Face — a 350-foot volcanic plug with a natural cave forming the monkey's open mouth, visible from miles away. The approach trail gets you to the base. The summit climb itself is Class 5.8 and requires gear; but standing below and watching climbers work the routes is its own experience.
AllTrails: 4.7★ (8,943 reviews) — search "Smith Rock Misery Ridge Loop"
r/hiking▲ 3.2k upvotes"Do it early — the sunrise light on the spires is worth a 6am start and the parking fills by 9am on weekends."
Return via the River Trail — a flat 1.5-mile path along the Crooked River at the base of the cliffs. Watch for river otters, white pelicans, golden eagles, and prairie falcons nesting on the walls above. This section feels like a completely different park from the exposed ridgeline above.
Afternoon: check into the Bivy Camp or Group Camp. In late afternoon, walk back in for the golden hour light on the spires — photographers set up along the River Trail from 5–7pm and the rock turns every shade of orange and red.
Day 2 — Morning Light Routes and the Burma Road Option
Day 2 is for going deeper. The Burma Road trail system on the east side of the park offers a longer 8-mile loop with views back to the main spires and access to the less-visited Northern Territories area of the park. This section sees fewer hikers and the trail climbs onto the high desert plateau above the canyon — a completely different perspective.
If you have climbing experience and gear: the Morning Glory Wall area has accessible 5.8–5.10 single-pitch sport routes directly above the River Trail. Rack up and warm up on classics like "Moonshine" or "Wartley's Revenge" with the river 30 feet below.
Exit Redmond for lunch before the drive back — Wild Ride Brewing on 5th Street is a local favorite with outdoor seating and a solid burger.
Gear Notes
- Trekking poles — critical for the loose scree descent off Misery Ridge
- Sun protection — high desert sun with zero shade on the ridge; SPF 50 and a hat are not optional
- Water — 2L minimum; there's no water on trail (fill at the trailhead)
- Layers — mornings below 40°F in spring and fall even when afternoons hit 75°F
- Binoculars — for watching climbers and the nesting falcons on the walls
Logistics
The day-use parking lot fills by 9am on weekends April through October. Arrive before 8am or use the overflow lot on the access road. Bivy Camp walk-in tent sites are first-come-first-served and limited — weekends fill by Friday afternoon. Book Group Camp sites at oregonstateparks.org up to 9 months in advance.
