Misery Ridge Trail (Smith Rock) Hiking Guide
Misery Ridge is the signature hike at Smith Rock State Park, a short but punishing climb from the Crooked River up stairs and switchbacks to the crest of the rock, then down past Monkey Face to the river again. It earns its name in the first mile and repays it with the best views in the park. Here is how far it is, what to pay, and when to go.
Permit: Smith Rock State Park requires an Oregon State Parks day-use parking permit: $10 per vehicle per day for Oregon residents or $12 for non-residents, bought on site from the fee machines or by QR code, and good at any state park that day. A 12-month permit costs $60 for residents or $75 for non-residents. Northwest Forest Passes, Sno-Park permits and America the Beautiful passes are not valid in Oregon state parks. Campers in the bivouac area display their camping receipt instead.
The Loop Over the Ridge
Most people cross the footbridge below the Welcome Center, climb Misery Ridge, descend the far side beside Monkey Face and return along the River Trail. AllTrails maps that loop at 3.7 miles with 921 feet of gain, rated hard. The park's own trail map calls it the Misery Ridge Loop and gives 4.0 miles, and it rates the 1.0-mile Misery Ridge Trail section at its most difficult level. If you only climb to the top and come back the same way, AllTrails lists 2.6 miles and 1,161 feet.
Stairs, Gravel and No Shade
The climb is a staircase of dirt switchbacks and stone steps, with loose gravel on the steeper pitches, and the descent toward Monkey Face is tight and steep enough that trekking poles help. On the park map the trail starts near 2,660 feet at the river and tops out around 3,360, all of it on open rock among juniper and sage. Do this one early on warm days and carry more water than the distance suggests; the park map marks drinking water in the developed area by the Welcome Center and footbridge, and none up on the ridge.
Parking Permit and Crowds
Smith Rock is one of the Oregon state parks that charge for parking. A day permit is $10 per vehicle for Oregon residents and $12 for everyone else, paid at the yellow fee machines or by scanning the posted QR code, and it covers any other fee park you visit the same day. Weekend lots fill, and the park map warns there is no parking along NE Crooked River Drive, so come early or on a weekday.
Dogs, Climbers and Nesting Birds
Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the park says rangers enforce the leash law and ask everyone to stay on the trails because the landscape is fragile. Expect climbers along the base of the walls; some climbing areas close from about mid-January to August 1 to protect golden eagle and falcon nests, but those closures affect routes, not the hiking trail. Horses aren't allowed on the footbridge.
Construction This Winter
Oregon State Parks says construction will disrupt parts of the park from November 2026 through the end of March 2027. The overflow parking lot, sections of the Rim Rock Trail, the North Point Loop Trail and the parking beside it will close at times during that work. Misery Ridge itself isn't listed, but losing the overflow lot means the main lot will fill sooner, so check the park page before a weekend visit.
Hiking tips for Misery Ridge Trail (Smith Rock)
- Start early in warm weather; the climb is fully exposed.
- Carry plenty of water and top up near the Welcome Center before crossing the bridge.
- Use trekking poles for the steep, gravelly descent past Monkey Face.
- Keep your dog leashed and on the trail; rangers enforce it.
- Pay for parking at the fee machine or QR sign before you start, or buy a 12-month permit if you visit often.
Nearby trails to explore
- Pilot Butte Nature Trail
- Tam McArthur Rim Trail
- Tumalo Falls Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Misery Ridge is a short, steep climb that goes better with company and a shared parking permit. Use TrailMates to find Bend hikers planning a Smith Rock morning. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play to join a group.