Every time I am in Oregon, I make it a point to visit a new state park. Smith Rock State Park is one of central Oregon’s most amazing places. Thirty million-year-old rock spires and cliffs draw rock climbers from all over the world, and the views in this 650-acre park are unbeatable. For one of the best views, take the strenuous Misery Ridge Trail. It’s a tough slog… but this hike is rated as one of the best hiking trails in the U.S. and the payoff is pretty great!

Smith Rock State Park is truly a gem, and people come from all over the world to scale its towering buttes. You don't need to be a rock climber to enjoy the natural wonders here, though - you'll get your share of views and vistas while your feet are firmly planted on the ground.
Jessica Brandenburg/Alltrails
For some of the best views, take the strenuous Misery Ridge and Summit Trail Loop. It's a 5.5-mile-long adventure that will take you up 1,778 feet. But let me forewarn you, if you are wondering "is the Misery Ridge Trail hard?" -- in my opinion, yes, it is.
amy clark/Alltrails
If you're visiting during summer months, make sure to bring along plenty of water, and slather on the sunscreen. This part of the state and the very open Misery Ridge Trail in Oregon can experience triple-digit temperatures, and the trail is mostly sun-exposed.
Devin Duarte/Alltrails
There's a reason this one is called Misery Ridge Trail. There are a few spots that feel like they're straight up and down, and your knees and leg muscles will quickly remind you that even though you're not rock climbing, you're definitely still climbing. Just check out some of these Misery Ridge Trail photos for proof.
Slavena Pash/Alltrails
I'm in pretty decent shape and needed to stop off frequently to give my calves some rest!
But sometimes you might forget that answer is yes when you think about, is the Misery Ridge Trail hard. The views can really distract you from the burning in your thigh muscles. While you're trying to catch your breath, admire the vistas that stretch for miles.
Roque Versace/Alltrails
The Misery Ridge Trail takes you up close to the park's most famous rock formation: Monkey Face. If you use your imagination a bit, you can see that the rock really does bear a resemblance to a monkey face! I enjoyed gazing at it from several different vantage points to see which one displayed the best resemblance.
Eric Carlson/Alltrails

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Climbers get a thrill from tackling this 350-foot tower, and compete to see who can create the most difficult climbing route. From the safety of the Misery Ridge Trail in Oregon, you can imagine what it must be like to stand atop Monkey Face...
Able Khriptiyevskiy/Alltrails
...but you'll enjoy the views every bit as much, without the climb!
Brad Hodges/Alltrails
The trail makes a loop, so you'll end up right where you began. And maybe by that time, you will have forgotten that Misery Ridge Trail is hard!
If you are lucky, you'll get to see some wildlife along the way, too.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
These ducks seemed to be following (stalking?) us for a portion of the hike.
There was a light snowfall the day we headed out on this trail.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
It really made for some gorgeous scenery.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
But it also messed with our views.
But we made the best of it and took our time during the steep inclines.
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState
And by the time we finished....
These were our views!
Rachel Raimondi/OnlyInYourState

Learn more about Misery Ridge Trail at the website for Smith Rock State Park.

What would you answer if asked if this trail is hard? Tell us in the comments!

Don’t forget to pack all of the essentials for this hike. Consult our Ultimate Hiking Packing List.

Get more information on what you can do when you visit Smith Rock State Park.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Hike Oregon

Rachel Raimondi | April 23, 2024

What are the best hikes in Oregon?

Misery Ridge Trail isn’t the only hike you should take in the Beaver State. Be sure to check out some of the best hikes in Oregon:

  • Abiqua Falls Trail: This 2.5-mile trail is located in Santiam State Forest in Lyons. While it can be a tough hike, seeing the 92-foot-tall waterfall is well worth it.
  • Latourell Falls Trail: You’ll find this trail in the 378-acre Guy W. Talbot State Park in Corbett. It is two miles long and leads out to the 249-foot-tall Latourell Falls. Along the way, you’ll head through the woods and over some lovely little bridges.

 

What are the best parks in Oregon?

Why stick to just a trail when you can visit some of the best state parks in Oregon:

  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area: At 8,000 feet deep, this canyon in Riggins is the deepest river gorge in the country. Not only can you enjoy 900 miles of hiking, but the whitewater rafting opportunities are also pretty great.
  • Silver Falls State Park: This 9,000-acre state park in Marion County is the largest in Oregon. While there are many different hikes here as well as the chance to picnic and even camp, my bucket list top item is doing the 7.2-mile Trail of Ten Falls.

 

What are the some of the hardest hikes in Oregon?

Is the Misery Ridge Trail hard? I think so! Want to challenge yourself more? Check out some of these other hard hikes in Oregon:

  • Eagle Cap: This 30.4-mile roundtrip hike in Lostine is definitely not for beginners. Not only is there a 7,250-foot elevation gain, but you also have to make a river crossing. You’ll want to camp for the night along the way, and luckily there are several lovely lakeside spots where you can!
  • South Sister: If you want to summit a volcano, head to this 12.5-mile hike in Deschutes County. Be sure to keep in mind that there is a 5,000-foot elevation gain here, making it a very steep climb up. But the views are well worth the estimated nine hours (!) it will take you.

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Smith Rock State Park, Oregon 97760, USA