Misery Ridge: what's in a name?

Maybe it's the name; but, the last time I hiked Misery Ridge, I couldn't get anyone to go with me! It wasn't all that miserable, but people who like flat trails may be less than enthralled with some of the very steep pitches that cross over the backbone of Smith Rock.

Many people mistakenly refer to the state park north of Redmond as "Smith Rocks," but sometime in the past it was arbitrarily decided that Smith would get credit for only one rock - the really big one. John Smith was Indian Agent at Warm Springs Indian Agency from 1866 until his death in 1886. He is credited with discovery of the site, which was initially referred to as Smith's Rocks.

Any hike at Smith Rock State Park is a good hike at this time of year. In fact, any time that Cascade storms force the hiker to look elsewhere, Smith Rock is usually a warmer and drier destination. When I hiked the ridge late last month, the skies were spitting rain and snow on Sisters; but I enjoyed a beautiful sunny afternoon at Smith Rock.

There are many hiking opportunities at Smith Rock State Park that don't require scaling Misery Ridge, but the views from the top are among the best in Central Oregon. The shortest route to the top of the ridge and back is only about two miles, but the four-mile loop is a better choice.

From the far right of the parking lot overlook, follow the trail signs down into the Crooked River Canyon and across the river on a wide footbridge. There, you can take the Misery Ridge Loop in either direction. Go left for a nice two-mile downstream warm-up along the river. For those with an aversion to steep uphill pitches, it's an easy matter to come back the same way.

Waterfowl abound on this stretch of the river. Expect to see several species, including mergansers and goldeneyes. Walking along the trail, you may hear voices but have no idea where they are coming from. Look up. Rock climbers swarm to Smith Rock like bees to a hive, and you will probably see some dangling from the vertical cliffs above. As the trail continues and wraps around to the north, there are some great views of the aptly named rock formation, Monkey Face.

There are several trail forks to the right; but, at about 2.2 miles from the bridge, a right fork leads directly into a grove of old junipers and passes by a huge boulder about the size of a house. This is where the loop takes off over Misery Ridge. The trail hugs the edge of the giant boulder with all its nooks, crannies and overhangs. If you miss this trail fork, the riverside trail will eventually fade away and Monkey Face will be behind you; you've gone too far.

At first the grade is gradual; but, as the switchbacks progress, you'll know you have a climb on your hands. Just when you think it will never end, it does. At the top is a comfortable park bench dedicated to the memory of Justin Colonna, son of the former Redmond Schools Superintendent. Justin died in a Colorado avalanche in 1999. The memorial bench looks down on the back of Monkey Face and much of Central Oregon.

Follow the trail markers behind the bench for a shorter and even steeper descent. In some sections, along Red Wall, steps have been installed for safer footing. Raptor nests, including Golden Eagle and falcon, can be seen on the rock walls above the river.

In minutes, you're back at the footbridge and all that remains is the climb out of the canyon back to the parking lot. Take Highway 97 through Redmond to Terrebonne, and turn right at the flashing light. Follow the state park signs for two left turns and 3.3 miles to the park; continue to the main parking lot beyond the group sites on the left. State park fees apply.