Misery Ridge Trail (and River Loop): a perfect day trip from Bend
The Misery Ridge and River Trail hike is located in the striking Smith Rock State Park. If it isn’t on your must-do list for Oregon, add it now! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Smith Rock State Park and the Misery Ridge and River Trail hike.
Smith Rock State Park Location and Features
Smith Rock State Park is a dramatic landscape featuring a canyon, a river, and unique rock formations. Located at 3,000 feet elevation in the high desert of Oregon, the park spans 650 acres and the primary rock formations were formed 30 million years ago from volcanic ash.
Smith Rock State Park is located in Central Oregon, about 25 miles from Bend and 28 miles from Sisters. The closest town is Redmond, which is 10 miles south of the park. Smith Rock State Park is open year round.
You can visit from dawn to dusk as a day tripper, and there is a first-come, first-served campground you can use during the months of March 15-November 15.
Weather at Misery Ridge Trail
Smith Rock State Park is located in the high desert in Oregon. The climate is generally most pleasant in spring and fall, when you can expect more moderate temperatures often in the 50’s and 60’s.
In the summer, it can get very hot and dry with temperatures usually in the 80’s (and sometimes reaching the 100’s!). Winter can be quite chilly as well, with temperatures dipping down as low as the 20’s.
Year round, rainfall is very limited. Occasionally it may snow in the winter, but overall precipitation is minimal at any time of year.
Parking at Smith Rock State Park
The parking at Smith Rock State Park is expansive; where you park will depend on what trail you’d like to access. I recommend parking as close to the Welcome Center as you can. This will give you the best access to the Misery Ridge Trail. You’ll also be close to the bathrooms which is always helpful. You’ll need to pay $5 for your parking at one of the pay stations, and then display the parking permit on your dashboard.
On busy days, parking can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to arrive early, or go in the afternoon after the early birds have left the park.
Misery Ridge Trail Difficulty
Misery Ridge and River Trail Loop Stats:
Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 908 feet
The Misery Ridge Trail and River Loop hike is wonderful. It gives you the best of what Smith Rock State Park has to offer: incredible rock views, walking along the top of the rocks, and a peaceful and gorgeous riverside trail.
I recommend starting at the Misery Ridge trail first and going counterclockwise. You’ll head down from the Visitor Center on The Chute trail, and cross the Footbridge. The Misery Ridge trail begins after the Footbridge, and begins to climb immediately. This portion of the trail is slick with sand, and involves some slightly sketchy staircases. It’s a steep but brief ascent to the top of Misery Ridge.
Pro tip: If you hike this trail with small children, be sure to keep them in the hiking carrier for the duration of this trail. It’s not safe for little ones.
Once you reach the top of the ridge, take in the expansive views of the surrounding rocks, the river, and valley. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to views of the mountains in the area, too. Continue the flat traverse across the top of the ridge, and then you’ll start to descend down to the River Trail. Watch for the rock climbers as you make your way to the river. Poles are definitely helpful on the descent.
After your hard work of going up and coming back down, you’ll get a nice flat section of trail to meander by the riverside. The trail loops around near the river for the rest of the hike.
Where to stay near Smith Rock State Park and Misery Ridge Trail
There are many hotel options within a short drive from the Smith Rock State Park.
- Best option for proximity to park (within about 15-20 minutes): SCP Redmond
- A great budget friendly option in Bend: Waypoint Hotel
- A fancier, beautiful boutique option in Bend: McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School
Pro tip: After a morning hike at Misery Ridge Trail and River Loop, check out the soaking pool at McMenamin’s for an hour of relaxation after a day on the trails. If you aren’t staying there, you have to reserve a slot. Be sure to reserve when they open reservations two weeks in advance, because the last time slot of the day is very popular! Our son absolutely loved this pool and we wished we had made a daily reservation while we were in the area.
Final Thoughts on the Misery Ridge and River Loop Trail
Hopefully I’ve convinced you that hiking the Misery Ridge and River Loop Trail is an ideal way to spend a day outdoors. It’s not super challenging, and offers exquisite high desert beauty. If you’re looking for more Oregon adventures, don’t miss my post about the Trail of 10 Falls in Silver Falls State Park. It’s an absolute gem!
