Smith Rock State Park

We are currently staying in Crooked River RV Park, located on the rim of a deep canyon with the Crooked River flowing far below.  A few miles east this river flows around Smith Rock – a well-known rock-climbers paradise. 
These rocks are the result of ancient (about 30 million years ago) volcanic activity that spewed ash about ½ mile thick.  Over time, this debris hardened and eroded into the welded tuff peaks visited by so many. 

Fortunately, for us, Smith Rock also has many hiking trails, short walk areas, wonderful overlooks and excellent places for wildlife viewing.  The trail down to the river is fairly steep, but switchbacks make it manageable.  At the base is a well-constructed bridge making the crossing a breeze for all ages.

Our friends Jim and Gayle posted their recent hike over the rocks.  However, given my weak ankle, Gary and I decided to take the trails around the rocks, following the river and providing us great views of the climbers. 

Going up the side of rocks around 300-500 feet high is beyond my imagination, but I do admire those with the talent, strength and desire to do so.  We noted families at the base cheering on the father or mother reaching for the top. And there were shorter rock faces with younger folks learning this sport.

The river trail is used by hikers, trail bikers and horse riders, along with various types of wildlife.  Most of the trail is fairly flat, with some short elevation changes along the way.  After passing an area of climbers, we turned our attention to wildlife along the river. 

In a quiet curve I noted some ripples and watched a river otter busy fishing.  Being an active otter, he/she did not take time to pose for the camera, but Gary managed to get a passable photo.  We also saw several Canada Geese, ducks and many other birds using the river, trees and rocks.

Can anyone identify this bird?

Fortunately, a ranger along the path showed us a large pine tree across the river with a huge nest – we got shots of the near- fledging in the nest and the adult Bald Eagle perched nearby. 

As a hiker mentioned, what better day to see this bird than June 14^th – flag day!

Further along the trail, we were warned by hikers from the other direction to watch out for the rattlesnakes right next to the trail.  Sure enough, we saw the rattlers and they were still there on our return.  Three were curled up together and another was about 100 yards away stretched out and watching. The day was just beginning to warm up and their inactivity may have been related to the cold night and cool morning.  These, rather dark snakes, were Pacific Rattlesnakes (verified that at the information center at the end of the hike).

As we traveled further on the back side of the peaks, we finally got to Monkey Face – a formation rising about 300 feet above the rocks around it.

  

From there we turned around and headed back on the trail.

Going back we had a different viewpoint and enjoyed the return every bit as much as the first half.  So glad we hiked the trail, but I did put my ankle on ice when we got back to the RV!