We got an early start to make it up to Smith Rock for a hike and beat the heat. Luckily the temps have been a little cooler than usual for the beginning of August. Smith Rock is pretty powerful to contemplate and look at just from afar. I read that it was the birthplace of sport climbing and we did see a few climbers out during the day.
We took the advice of friends to do the full Misery Ridge and Summit Trail loop of 6.5 miles. We went clockwise which had us start up the face of the middle section of Smith Rock and after a long uphill, we got to the top and a really awesome overview of the park. We got to explore around up at the top for a bit and then walked north towards a rock called “monkey face.” This was also stunning and there were a couple climbers setting up for the day. After that, we came down the far side, walked all the way around the northeast and then hiked through a saddle and came back out on the frontside, but much higher at this point. The views below to the Crooked River and the fields and distant volcanic mountains were really phenomenal. It got pretty hot towards the end and we were happy to pull out our picnic lunch and cold drinks when we got back to the main visitor area.
We stopped in Bend and looked at the whitewater park / waves they had created in downtown on the Deschutes. We didn’t have our stuff with us and decided to head home to relax for the rest of the day, however.
No comments:
Post a Comment