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Summit Trail Loop at Smith Rock

Terrebonne, Oregon

4.6/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

6.87 miles

Elevation Gain

1506 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Rachel Davidson

See Smith Rock from every side in this 360-degree circumnavigation of one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon.

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. 

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Features

Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Picnic Area
River
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Summit Trail Loop at Smith Rock Reviews

Smith Rock is a treasure in the midst of the beautiful Cascade Range. With incredible scenery and epic rock climbing, Smith Rock offers something for everyone. The hiking trails can be rugged, so be sure to pack enough water!

Been dying to camp at this summit. Whatta beautiful area. CHECK IT OUT

This hike is one of the best in central Oregon, providing unrivaled views of the entire state park, as well as views of the Cascades on a clear day. The distance of this hike is great, and the elevation gain makes for a decent workout. If you want a bit more of a challenge, hike up to the Eagles Nest for a birds eye view of Smith Rock.

We went only for hiking and it was an awesome time. The Summit Trail gives some pretty sweet views of the canyon. Can only imagine how sweet it must be for climbers - definitely gonna come back

This is always one of my favorite hikes. My fiancé and I do it every year as a post Thanksgiving feast exercise. It gets very cold in the winter and is often snow covered and very hot and dry in the summer. If your not covered in chemical filled sunscreen go for a dip in the river on the hot days.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Snow Camp at Smith Rock

Misery Ridge Loop

Misery Ridge Trail

Canyon Trail and Homestead Trail

Smith Rock State Park Canyon Trail

North Point Loop