Misery Ridge Loop (Smith Rock State Park)

May 18, 2018

On our recent camping  trip at Tumalo State Park (great campground!), we planned three hikes in the area.  Hike #1 was The Misery Ridge Loop located at Smith Rock State Park which is located in Terrabonne, Oregon, about a half hour drive away.

The name and arrow say it all!

Smith Rock SP is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon and it didn't  take long to see why as we  pulled up into the visitor parking lot at 9:00 am.  As we hiked the Rim Rock Trail to the visitor center area, we took in the vast display of incredible rock formations with the Crooked River flowing through the park.  The sunlight on the rocks gives off different colors and it was easy to see why this park is one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon.

Welcome to one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon

Our first view from the Rim Rock trail.  The Crooked River trail is visible on far side of river. 

 At this point it was time to get serious about hiking as we headed down the Chute Trail that goes from the rim down to and across the Crooked River.  It was at this point that we got to look UP at the Misery Ridge Trail that would climb 1,400 feet in 0.86 miles -- yup, that is uphill!

Heading down the Chute trail and then across the Crooked river

Looking down the Misery Ridge trail at one of our "photo stops".

Looking up the Misery Ridge trail to another "step" segment

The steepness did not bother us as much as the periodic groupings of wooden steps that are spaced out just far enough to need more than one step but less than two.  There were numerous groupings of these steps along with switchbacks throughout the climb.  We stopped several times to take in the views (and catch our breath) till we reached the summit.  Here Katie lodged her protest of the uphill climb by laying down in the dirt - something she has never done while on a hike.

A view from the top!

We then hiked across the ridge and started our descent which was just as steep and included many switchbacks but thankfully no steps!  Monkey Face, one of the popular rock formations in the park, came into view and we eventually hiked within feet of it's base.  We watched a couple of rock climbers make it to the top of the monkey's head.

Monkey Face comes into view with Crooked River in the background

Close up of Monkey Face with two rock climbers nearing the summit.

Eventually we connected to the Mesa Verde trail and Crooked River trail to complete this 5.3 loop of hiking.  As we hiked the Crooked River trail portion we got to see the rock formations from the base looking up instead of from the rim.  Incredible beauty.

View along the Crooked River trail

Looking back from the trail at some rock formations.

By the time we finished our hike the park was getting very crowded and the sun was warming things up. There were many rock climbers  now starting their ascents and even a few bus loads of kids hiking and climbing at the park.  We were glad that we started our hike early in the day.

One last look before heading up the Chute trail to finish our hike.

If you are ever in the Bend area, be sure to make a trip up to Terrabonne and Smith Rock SP.  Even if you don't hike, take some time to take in all the beauty that is on display at one of Oregon's Seven Wonders.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol