Summit Trail Loop at Smith Rock

Smith Rock State Park is an iconic PNW canyon that's become one of the rock climbing capitals of the country, and known worldwide for its sport climbing routes. And while climbing draws crowds year-round, adventurers also visit for its trail system boasting sweeping Central Oregon volcano views.

The new-ish Summit Trail Loop is one of the most challenging of the park and super popular for hikers, runners, and cyclists. Trails are family-friendly and dog-friendly, but please clean up your puppy's poop! The trail was littered with waste when we visited. Families with young children should also be careful for rock slides and crumbly rock on steeper sections of the trail.

Your hike begins in the parking area in front of the Welcome Center (open weekends year-round). Pick up a park map there - or download one here before you go.

• Follow the short Canyon Trail down to the Crooked River and cross the foot bridge.
• Turn left on the River Trail for 2.2 miles.
• Connect with the Summit Trail and head up for 2.2 miles.
• At the summit, continue straight and head down the Burma Road Trail for 1 mile.
• Follow the Wolf Tree Trail to your right for 1 mile until you cross the Crooked River footbridge again and head back up to your car.

The summit reaches around 3,600 feet - which means you'll be high above everything around the Terrebonne and Redmond area. Look off to your south for breathtaking views of Central Oregon's famous volcanoes: Mt. Bachelor, the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, among others.

Smith Rock is notorious for its desert climate and high heat in the summer, and in the winter trails can ice over and be treacherously slick, so be sure to pack accordingly.