Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
700.00 ft (213.36 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
3.80 mi (6.12 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Misery Ridge Trail in Smith Rock State Park is an exceptional day hike that provides a full tour of one of Oregon's most iconic natural areas.  From the trailhead, the trail descends into the Crooked River Gorge, crosses the park's only bridge, and then starts the climb to the top of the park's golden rock cliffs.  As you make your way through the switchbacks, watch the ground for sunbathing reptiles, and look for golden eagle aeries on the northern cliff walls.  Once you've reached the summit, roughly 700 feet above the river, you'll have a close view of the famous Monkey Face formation, and on clear days the Cascades are visible from Mount Jefferson to Broken Top.  Take the western route on your return to connect with the Mesa Verde Trail.  You'll pass Monkey Face and eventually connect with the River Trail to make a full loop out of the adventure. 

Mid-summer temperatures can become sweltering, so you may wish to avoid the mid-day sun.  Also, note that the only camping in the park is the walk-in camping at Bivouac Campground.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Panoramic views. Relatively short. Nearby camping.

Cons

Summer heat.

Trailhead Elevation

2,880.00 ft (877.82 m)

Features

Rock climbing
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Comments

06/21/2015
This is hands down the best hike at Smith Rock (particularly for the time it takes and the awesome views)! HOWEVER, I if you are scared of heights, this may not be the hike for you. I am pretty scared of heights and usually have no problem working through it. That said, I had to a moment (let's be honest, several moments) to "get it together" about 2/3 of the way up the trail. Looking both up and down gave me serious vertigo. The good news is I did work through it and made it to the top, which was SPECTACULAR and TOTALLY WORTH IT! Check out the views below. The good news is that you don't have to do this as an out and back either (there is no way I was going back down the way I went up). Once you get to the top of Misery Ridge you can connect with Rim Rock or Mesa Verde, which will take you to the River Trail (ground level).
01/13/2015
Oh Smith Rock, how I love thee. Very short drive for a day worth of adventuring. It would take a lifetime to discover all that Smith Rock has to offer. Misery Ridge Trail is worth the hike to the top, for the view. The only part of Smith Rock that I ever have issues with is the last bit of hike it takes to get out. I'm usually pretty well spent by that point, and I never want to leave.
02/15/2015
Great hike if you've only got a couple of hours, plus beautiful views of the Cascade peaks. This park is very busy though, expect to have a hard time finding parking and lots of other hikers.
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