Things to know before you hit the trail
• Smith Rock is a very popular spot, I mean how could it not be? I recommend getting there either really early or later in the evening to have a little more solitude and find some parking! My favorite times to visit are Spring and Winter for incredible views and some wildflowers in the spring.
• There are rattlesnakes. In the warmer months Smith Rock State Park is crawling with rattlers, of all different sizes. Keep an eye and ear out, if you should cross one, step back and let it do its thing. I usually will carry hiking poles here, just as an extension if one ever attempted to strike.
• It gets hot. There’s not a ton of shade throughout most of the trails I will mention. It’s important to bring lots of water and some sort of sun protection. I.e… Sun screen, sun shirt, sun hat, etc. I recommend 16oz of water for every hour you’re planning on being on the trail.
Location
Smith Rock State Park is located in Central Oregon, only 30 minutes away from Bend. If you’re coming from the North, you’ll reach a town called Terrebonne and there will be a turn off in the middle of town, Smith Rock Way. After that, you will follow the road for about 5 minutes and will turn left onto NE Crooked River Drive. The Park is just straight ahead. There is quite a bit of parking available, but it fills up fast. Be sure to arrive early in the day! You will need to get a $5 day use parking pass from the kiosks or have an Oregon State Parks Pass. An America The Beautiful pass will not work here.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Smith Rock State Park is open all year long. In the Winter months, snow covers the red rock making it pop. If you choose to visit while there is snow, bring hiking poles and some form of traction for your shoes. In the summer months, the heat scorches the area. Lots of water is necessary and sun protection. Be prepared for rattlesnakes.
With that being said, my favorite times to go are during the Spring and Winter. In the Springtime, wildflowers bloom and it’s not too hot yet, so the snakes aren’t out. I love the contrast of the snow and red rock in winter, and there’s much more solitude during these months.
Smith Rock State Park Trail Info
Below I’ll be sharing a few of my favorite hikes and ones that if you’re limited on time in the park, are a must see!
Misery Ridge & Mesa Verde Loop
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 948 feet
Hike Type: Loop
This is probably one of the more popular trails in Smith Rock State Park as it gives you the most scenic route within a short amount of mileage. Don’t let the shortness fool you though, that almost 1,000 feet of gain is within the first .5 of a mile making the ascent up Misery Ridge. It is steep and slippery both on the way up and coming down the backside. Hiking poles or good traction shoes are recommended. Don’t forget to take in the cascade range before you descend on the West side. On a really clear day, Mt. Hood will be visible!
Burma Road Loop
Distance: 7.3 miles round trip
Elevation: 1,250 feet
Hike Type: Loop
Burma Road is a great challenge for hikers and runners alike. It’s a steep incline right off the bat. Once you cross the bridge over the river, you’ll take the trail to the right, “Wolf Tree Trail” and it’s a nice flat walk along the River for .5 and then the climb starts. Along the road you will have magnificent views of the cascade range and once you drop down the backside, views of Mt. Hood. This trail is not shaded once the elevation starts, bring SPF and lots of water! During the warm months watch for rattlesnakes.
Canyon Trail and Homestead Trail
Distance: 2.3 miles round trip
Elevation: 354 feet
Hike Type: Loop or out & back
This hike is great for those who don’t want the challenge that Misery Ridge and Burma Road provide. It’s relatively short and doesn’t have a ton of elevation. I recommend starting at the Homestead Trail and looping back up the Canyon Trail for best views.
Reminders
• Always practice the 7 leave no trace principles. If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave the land better than you found it. Stay on the trail. Never carve on rocks or trees. Never feed or attempt to approach wildlife.
• Be respectful to other hikers/runners/mountain bikers/horseback riders. Let faster hikers pass, know that uphill hikers have the right away. At viewpoints and popular areas, don’t hog them – always take a minute to take pictures then step aside so others can get theirs.
• There are a lot more ways to combine these trails and/or check out some shorter different ones. Though these would be my choice if you were given only a small time window to explore the park.
Let’s get adventuring!
Mariah
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