Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Hikers on the Misery Ridge Trail stop at Monkey Face Rock, with Mount Jefferson in the distance.

Smith Rock is, first and foremost, a place for climbers.

But for those of us who prefer a good hike to a vertical journey up a sheer rock face, there also happen to be some amazingly beautiful trails through Smith Rock State Park, including one loop that really steals the show.

The Misery Ridge Trail is aptly-named for the punishing series of steep switchbacks that kick things off, but once you reach the top, the loop hike is a simple stroll through some of the most scenic stretches of the park.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The Crooked River runs past tall cliffs on the River Trail on the southwest side of the park.

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First up is the peak of the ridge, a rock overhang perched atop the Picnic Lunch Wall that looks southeast across the park over miles of flat farmland toward the dusty high desert expanse just beyond. Just up the trail is another spectacular viewpoint, this one looking west where several Cascade Mountain peaks – most notably the Three Sisters – dominate the horizon. The big, bulbous rock formation that frames the view is called Monkey Face, and if you’re lucky you might catch a rock climber scaling its scalp.

The trail winds down the back side of Misery Ridge, where it soon meets up with the River Trail. True to its name, the River Trail follows the banks of the Crooked River as it curls around the many spires of Smith Rock, offering stunning views that capture the whole desert ecosystem at once. The trail passes by many more rock-climbing walls, which are typically dotted with people.

In all, the loop hike is only four miles long, but if you’re hiking on a hot afternoon in the summer or spring it should be more than enough exertion, with more than enough rewarding views to feel a sense of accomplishment and proper awe.

Smith Rock may be considered a world-class rock-climbing destination, but as the Misery Ridge Loop proves, it’s a world-class destination for hikers as well.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Steps lead up the rock face at the beginning of the Misery Ridge Trail.

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MISERY RIDGE LOOP HIKE

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderately difficult

Amenities: Parking lot, restrooms at park entrance



From the main parking area, take the Canyon Trail (the main trail to the entrance of the park) down the steep hill overlooking the spectacular, primary view of Smith Rock. You can take The Chute to shave off .3 miles if you like, but either way you’ll cross a small footbridge over the Crooked River, winding up at a three-way junction on the other side.

Stay straight to begin the Misery Ridge Trail, which heads up a short, but very steep series switchbacks. This is really the only challenging part of this hike, and the sole reason I assigned it a “moderately difficult” rating. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the southeastern side of the park. Continue on the trail a short way to find the other viewpoint looking west, as well as Monkey Face rock.

From there, the trail follows another series of steep switchbacks downhill, and before long meets up with the Mesa Verde Trail. Go left at the junction and stay left where it joins up with the River Trail heading south.

This stretch of the River Trail runs 1.7 miles in all, leading right back up to the same footbridge over the river. From there, you can head back up to the parking lot, but if you’re looking for a longer day of hiking (make sure you have lots of water if you do), you can always tack on the Summit Loop, which adds 6.2 to 6.5 miles to your day, depending on whether you take Misery Ridge or the River Trail back.

--Jamie Hale | jhale@oregonian.com | @HaleJamesB

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Hikers take a photo at a viewpoint on the Misery Ridge Trail.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Monkey Face Rock, with Mount Jefferson in the distance.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The view from the high point of the Misery Ridge Trail, looking down on the Crooked River.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A rock climber tackles a route on the side of the Misery Ridge Trail.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Hikers tackle the switchbacks on the north side of the Misery Ridge Trail.