Day 126 - Smith Rock

Smith Rock is a small but scenic climbing-meca of a Oregon State Park, near Bend, Oregon. I left John Day Fossil Beds at 83am and took one final "painted cove" shot before driving three hours southwest.

I arrived at Smith Rock Park by midday. Before setting out to hike, I drove seven miles around the rock butte to a Corps of Engineers campground. I rested a few hours so that the temperature could drop for this desert environment, then I went back to Smith Rock.

I hiked down to the river, then across a bridge, then up a steep trail called "misery ridge" to the rock summit. On the way I passed many climbers.

The views from the summit were sublime in every direction, but especially westward, toward the Cascade Range, including six clearly visible major volcanos: The Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington and Mt. Hood. I stood gazing at these westerly vistas for nearly half an hour.

The trail continued down the west side and along the river for a few miles bald to the start. Smith Rock pinnacles on the left, Three Sisters on the right.

I returned back to camp, passing by many farms and ranches. I made dinner and collapsed in bed.

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