Getting There
The air quality south of Bend was terrible again, with hazardous conditions in La Pine. I had to go north to be far away from it. I'd planned to visit Smith Rock on my way home of Thursday but I decided to switch things up.
From Bend, take Hwy 97 northbound to Terrebonne, about 21 miles. Take a right on Smith Rock Way (east) and follow to the parking lot, about 2.5 miles.
I parked at the first lot available after the bivouac area. To my dismay, a person was sitting in their car, windows rolled up, talking on the phone... with the engine idling. It wasn't strong but I could smell the exhaust. I was so annoyed and started to talk loudly to myself. I had to get out of there before I had a confrontation. I needed to start hiking and change my focus on something awesome and positive.
The Hike
Elev. gain: 2,172 ft
Moving time: 4:36:09
Avg pace: 27:04
Calories: 2,433
Total time: 5:47:24
I had no idea where I was going when I left the car. I did zero research on the trails and what not. I had lunch, plenty of water, the 10 essentials.
I saw a bunch of people coming up some kind of road just beyond a building, bathrooms, concessions, picnic tables.
I saw some grass down near the river and made that my first objective. The road drops gradually on a long gooseneck but there was a steeper shortcut that I took to the river.
From across the canyon, I saw a trail heading up the rock just before the vertical part. Go big or go home. Turns out this is the Misery Ridge Trail. I wanted elevation gain and views and this had it in spades.
After I dropped down to the west side of Smith Rock, I decided to head north, instead of south like the old guy suggested. After passing Monkey Face, I took the Mesa Verde Trail to the Summit Trail.
I still had good stamina and excitement to be out there, my lack of research of this trail cause me some mild concern. I saw a high point far ahead and above me the looked like a mtn bike descent. I began to imagine that my route was heading up there. The sun was still high above in the sky but I was further away from the park than I expected to go. I still took the detours to the viewpoints but felt a bit rushed.
Eventually, I reached the fulcrum of the trail: the Burma Road. I noticed a guy hiking down well below me, apparently doing the same loop I was on. Whew! I knew I was still on track and now I could see the route back to the car, sort of.
I still had to check the map to find my way around to the start of the Misery Ridge Trail. There was still good light for photos. I started down the river trail and saw more groups of climbers supporting one person in their group on the rock, belay partner, hollering tips.
The map showed a crossing but when I got there, it was only a horse fording route. I wasn't about to get my boot soaked and see how deep the water was. I doubled-back toward the parking lot.
What a place!
