Misery Ridge Loop

Misery Ridge Loop is the signature hike at Smith Rock State Park, one of the most dramatic state parks in Oregon and a world-class rock climbing destination renowned for its towering rhyolite and tuff formations above the Crooked River canyon. The loop begins by descending to the Crooked River, crossing a footbridge at the base of the iconic Monkey Face pillar, then climbing steeply up Misery Ridge, earning its name through a relentless ascent on rocky, exposed terrain. The effort is richly rewarded as the trail gains the ridge crest and the full panorama of Smith Rock unfolds: hundreds of soaring crags and spires rising from the canyon floor, the green ribbon of the Crooked River threading through the desert landscape below, and the snow-capped Cascade peaks including Three Sisters, Broken Top, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Hood forming a spectacular backdrop. Climbers can be observed on hundreds of routes throughout the park, and the climbing culture that put Smith Rock on the world map is palpable throughout. The descent via the River Trail provides a gentler return along the Crooked River at the base of the rock formations, offering close-up views of the spectacular geological features from below. Prairie falcons and white-throated swifts nest in the cliffs. Rattlesnakes inhabit the rocky terrain; watch your step carefully in warmer months. An unforgettable hike in one of America's most visually striking state parks.