You’ve finally made it to the top of Misery Ridge and the surrounding views of the Crooked River and Central Oregon are spectacular! Smith Rock State Park, Central Oregon.
Misery Ridge Trail at Smith Rock State Park
The Misery Ridge Trail is the most iconic and challenging hike at Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon, a destination known worldwide for its dramatic cliffs, rock climbing routes, and high desert scenery. Located near Terrebonne, Smith Rock offers some of the best hiking in the Pacific Northwest, with Misery Ridge standing out for its steep grades, panoramic views, and proximity to the Crooked River.
The trail begins at the main footbridge that crosses the Crooked River, a ribbon of green vegetation winding through the park’s otherwise dry volcanic landscape. Cottonwood, alder, and willow line the riverbanks, creating a corridor of shade and habitat for mule deer, river otters, and bird species including golden eagles and canyon wrens. The river adds both ecological richness and visual contrast, reflecting the towering cliffs of welded tuff that rise above it.
From the bridge, the Misery Ridge Trail climbs sharply, gaining about 1,000 feet in elevation in under a mile. A series of tight switchbacks brings hikers up the canyon wall, with sections of loose rock and steep grades demanding careful footing. Despite the physical effort, the climb is rewarded with striking views of Monkey Face, a 350‑foot freestanding spire that is among the most famous climbing features in North America.
At the summit, the landscape opens to sweeping views of central Oregon. On clear days, the snow‑capped peaks of the Cascade Range—including Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and the Three Sisters—are visible to the west. To the east, the high desert stretches toward the Ochoco Mountains, marked by rimrock and scattered juniper. The Crooked River Canyon winds north and south, showing the erosive power that shaped Smith Rock’s cliffs over millions of years.
Most hikers descend via the Mesa Verde Trail, looping back along the River Trail. This route passes below Monkey Face, where climbers are often visible, and continues beside the Crooked River. The River Trail is gentler, allowing time to observe the riparian corridor that contrasts so sharply with the sagebrush uplands. Redband trout, bullhead catfish, small mouth bass, raptors and migratory birds thrive here, while the river provides year‑round water in an otherwise arid landscape.
Though short in distance, Misery Ridge is considered a strenuous hike. Summer temperatures in central Oregon often climb above 90 degrees, and shade is limited on the exposed slopes. Visitors are encouraged to start early, carry water, and wear sturdy footwear. The effort, however, is consistently rewarded with some of the best views in Oregon and an intimate encounter with the geology and ecology of Smith Rock State Park.
The Misery Ridge Trail combines steep high desert hiking with the beauty of the Crooked River, the park’s dramatic cliffs, and the chance to witness world‑class climbing at Monkey Face. For visitors seeking an unforgettable Oregon hike, it remains the signature trail of Smith Rock State Park.
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Crooked River, Deschutes County, Oregon State Parks, Smith Rock State Park, Trail
