Rim Rock Reflections While Recovering
a guest post by “Summit Trail Amy”
I’ve always tried to remind myself to look at things from a different perspective, however, it seems I’ve been somewhat forced into doing so even more.
After having hiked the Burma/Summit Trails loop over 300 times over the past couple of years, an injury has now relegated me to sit on the sidelines awhile, but can I still enjoy the beauty and splendor of the Park? Absolutely! Just from an entirely different perspective for the time being.
The spires of Smith Rock State Park emerge from the canyon floor as the morning fog clears. Image courtesy of Amy Sue Matthews.
I still remember my first visit to Smith Rock State Park circa 2012 and being completely awestruck by the magnificent and stunning beauty of the various rock formations, seemingly rising from the canyon floor as if by magic.
With the entire Summit Loop as my “go-to” trail ( I always liked getting double the mileage of the Misery loop, plus I personally enjoy/prefer the views better, too), it’s funny to look back on my first time here: I looked down into the canyon from the Rim Rock Trail and thought, “If I hike down to the River, I have to hike back up! Sorry, I’ll pass and just enjoy the view from up here!”
Even though it’s funny to reflect on that moment now, years later, it has been a good reminder when I’ve hiked with beginners who also feel a bit intimidated over having to come back up out of the canyon. It also serves me well when I chat with first-timers to the Park who come up to the Welcome Center seeking advice as to which trails they should take, where to see the best views, etc. While the majority of folks come with the ever-popular Misery in mind, there are plenty of others who are advised to look down into the canyon first: what goes down, must come up, and not everyone who visits is able to make it back up very easily, if at all because no, there is no elevator or escalator! I still chuckle about overhearing a man down at the bridge, just finishing up his hike. He turned to his friends and said, “Ok, guys, we just gotta make it up ‘Heart Attack Hill’!”
Amy looks down into the canyon from the rimrock at the Northern Point, a view she now shares often with others that take in the beauty of Smith Rock from above.
Now, however lovely my current views and perspectives are from the Rim Rock Trail, I would give anything to be able to hike down into the canyon and beyond, returning via ‘Heart Attack Hill.’ But I can’t, at least for the time being while I heal; so instead, I will continue to look at the Park through the lens of the many first-timers, never allowing my sense of wonder to wane.
About a year ago, someone asked me if I ever get tired of hiking the same trail. I tried to explain that it didn’t feel like the same trail to me because so many aspects changed with each day: the lighting, the colors of the rocks, the trail conditions, the views, the people I encountered, the weather, the things I might notice or see differently, the surprises that might occur whether they arrive in the form of a bald eagle flying overhead, a coyote, otters, or even a snake. No two days were ever the same out there and I never knew heading out what that day might bring; it was definitely always an adventure in the making.
And now, being sidelined, there are many of those things I truly miss:
But thankfully, due to my love and appreciation of this sacred place, I moved much closer to the Park 18 months ago, so I can still enjoy:
And of course, looking forward to being fully healed and given the green light to once again hike up Burma and down the Summit Trail, embracing them again like a dear, old friend one hasn’t seen in ages!
“From almost the beginning, Smith Rock has been “my happy place.” And while I know that will never change, for now, this special, natural, beautiful wonder is my “happy healing place!”
All of us that appreciate your endless dedication to the park wish you a speedy recovery Amy. May you soon be reunited with both the Summit Trail and the Monkey!