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Trail Closures
To the delight of many misery seekers, Smith Rock’s Misery Ridge Trail barriers came down today. It’s been getting major trail reconstruction by a handful of volunteers assisting park staff since it closed to the public on March 23, along with the rest of the park due to COVID-19 restrictions on a state-wide order.
A small and dedicated team of the Smith Rock Group has been working hard for the rest of us, spending countless hours of their personal time getting the Misery Ridge Trail in shape to reopen safely. Back on March 23 Smith Rock State Park was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions per Oregon State Parks and Recreation, and when it reopened on May 14, restrictions remained in place for Misery Ridge Trail and the Chute Trail due to issues with social distancing and to reduce the impacts on first responders due to potential for accidents on very popular trails that needed maintenance.
Between the snow melt and the steady April showers, the Crooked River is high and spilling over its banks at Smith Rock State Park. To put it in perspective, last year when portions of the River Trail were under water, the flow rate for the river was 1160 CFS. When signs went up a couple of days ago, it was 1820 CFS, and today it’s at 1920 for below the Prineville Reservoir.
Wolf Tree Trail improvement work begins on Monday December 17th, with trail closures and detours that may be needed for a limited duration. The trail contractor will be using trail building machinery, and the work is expected to be completed by mid January, weather permitting.
Looks like you'll have to go the longer, but easier way down the Canyon Trail into Smith Rock State Park from the Overlook just past the Welcome Center. The Chute Trail is closed for repair work for the next few days. You may just decide to stay on this side of the river and explore the Canyon Trail "woodsy" side of the park.
