River Trail

River Trail loops along the Crooked River at the base of Smith Rock's spectacular rhyolite formations, providing an accessible and visually stunning hike that delivers the full drama of this extraordinary landscape without the demanding elevation gain of the Misery Ridge route. The trail follows both banks of the Crooked River through the heart of the canyon, circling beneath the towering crags and spires that have made Smith Rock one of the most photographed landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. From river level, the scale and complexity of the rock formations becomes fully apparent: hundreds of climbing routes ascend the vertical faces above, and the sounds of climbers calling to each other and the metallic clink of gear create the atmosphere of this internationally celebrated climbing destination. The Crooked River itself is a productive trout fishery, and anglers can often be seen working the green pools between the rock outcrops. River otters occasionally swim through the canyon, and mink hunt along the rocky shoreline. Osprey and great blue herons fish the river regularly. The trail crosses the river on footbridges and traverses both the sunny, sage-covered south-facing slopes and the shadier north-facing walls, experiencing the dramatic microclimate differences created by the canyon topography. Spring wildflowers including phlox and desert parsley decorate the rocky slopes. This trail is an excellent choice for families and visitors seeking an introduction to Smith Rock's remarkable scenery.