Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR

This past weekend marked the SECOND trip of the OSU Adventure Club, with an epic journey to Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon. Armed with 15 students and 4 amazing OSU guides, the Adventure club found its way to Koala Rock for some nifty top rope climbing to build skills and confidence in outdoor climbing and of course to engage in some shenanegans. For those who are unfamiliar with Smith Rock, it is a popular destination for people all around the Beaver State. The beginnings of Oregon's high desert, Smith Rock is actually known worldwide for its sport climbing, with over 1800 total climbing routes on tuff and basaltic cliffs. With 651 acres dedicated to climbing, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, there are bountiful recreational opportunities for everyone here.

A mecca for climbers in the Northwest, Smith Rock State Park is located in central Oregon about 3 hours east of I-5. Managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation, Smith Rock is just a few minutes off of HWY 97 east of Terrebonne. A $5 daily parking pass or annual state parks pass is required for day use in Smith, and a bivouac is located just outside of the park within walking distance. For those in search of more remote camping, Skull Hollow campground is a quick 15 minutes drive outside of the park off of Lone Pine Road, and is a chill spot to unwind and crack a beer.

Of course, alcohol is prohibited on OSU sanctioned events, but we enjoyed ourselves anyway. Saturday began with a 1 1/2 mile hike out to Koala Rock. Starting out down "the Chute," the only trail with a crossing across the Crooked River, we swung a right on the Wolf Tree Trail, then followed the Burma Trail to Burma Road. Koala is the first big rock off Burma Road and is a chill spot to climb as its a little off the beaten path. Overnight rains soaked our climbing hopes for Sunday, but instead we embarked on a bomber scramble through the gorge of the Crooked River, ending at the infamous janky ladder back up to the parking lot.

Though not a part of this trip, Smith offers a few other trails worth mentioning (I am a hiker by trade, sorry climbers). For a good loop hike in Smith, cross the Chute and turn left onto the River Trail. At 2 1/2 miles, it is the longest trail in the park and follows the meanders of the Crooked River. Banked by sagebrush/juniper woodlands, the River trail shoots off to the Mesa Verde Trail, which quickly meets the Misery Ridge Trail. Misery Ridge Trail switchbacks up to the top of Misery Ridge with fantastic views of Monkey Face (a feature often dotted with climbers, it literally looks like a monkey's face) and the entire stretch of the Oregon Cascades on a good day. The 710 foot ridge actually towers over the flat terrane east of the Cascades, giving the feeling of being on top of the world- a cliche feeling that frankly, for me, never gets old.

SO if you find yourself with some free time, I highly suggest a visit to Smith Rock State Park, if not for the climbing, then for some chill trails spanning across a sagebrush landscape. And if you're in Corvallis, dropping the line "I went to Smith" results in at least a few darting glares of envy.