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Drive across the vast Crooked River Ranch development, which is bordered by the Crooked River Canyon on the east and the Deschutes River Canyon on the west. You go into the development on Chinook Road, turn left onto Blacktail Drive, right on Quail Road and then left onto River Road, following this to its end, a dirt BLM parking lot deep within the Deschutes Canyon. Follow the trail signs on the north side of the parking lot to Steelhead Falls, 1/2 mile away on an easy trail.
From the trail you can access the river if you want to try your luck with the fish - no steelhead anymore due to downstream dams, though that might change. The waterfall is about a 15 foot drop and has a grand deep pool extending downstream. Kayakers also enjoy this stretch of the river canyon, though they portage around this particular rapid;-\
On the east side of the falls, you can see an old masonry fish ladder that was put in to help the salmon and steelhead migrate up the river higher during lower water levels. Newer downstream dams without fish ladders have put a stop to the age-old migrations, though work is going on to potentially remedy this.
Written Jul 27, 2004
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From Smith Rocks to the reservoir at Lake Billy Chinook - some 25 miles - the Crooked River runs through an awesome 600 foot canyon. There are several such dramatic canyons in Central Oregon, but this is probably tops for drama. The casual visitor can best experience the canyon from the Peter Ogden State Park Wayside along the US 97 crossing. The old highway bridge has been made into a bike/pedestrian crossing. The river below includes several class IV rapids and the route is long - between the put-in above Smith Rocks to the first take-out near the golf course at Crooked River Ranch, you have 18 miles.
Written Jul 27, 2004
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The pass in the cliff wall was named before the climbing/outdoor company from Vancouver BC was started, so maybe that company got a little help at naming itself from this well-known Smith Rock feature - big plu here for Arcteryx gear - maybe expensive, but definitely top-of-the -line!!
If you've walked all the way here from the parking lot along the river, you can either continue up and over the newer switchbacked trail going over Misery Ridge by the Monkey Face or you can climb over this pass. I have seen it rated as class 5.0 butI think it is more in the class 3-4 range. I have taken beginners over it without any problems. If you have a fear of heights, don't come here though - sitck to the same path that brought you here along the river.
Written Jul 27, 2004
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Rock climbing - as opposed to alpine climbing; different breeds of folk here - is the number one attraction to Smith Rocks. But number two is photography and for the simple hiker. As usual, morning and late afternon are best for pictures here. Summer afternoons can be over 100F and the light washed out.
Trails wander along the river giving the casual walker an upclose look at the climbers above. The cliffs get all the attention, but the riparian zone is very beautiful, restful, quite in contrast to the machismistic intensity seen above. Trails go up and over Misery Ridge, as well, giving the visitor more up close looks at the climbing activities.
Written Jul 27, 2004
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When you say 'rock climbing' in the US, Smith rocks has to be in the top couple of sites to be mentioned. Yosemite, I'll give number one, but here is a nearby second. The beauty of the rocks, towering over 300 feet above the placid waters of the Crooked River have long been a favorite scenic stop in Central Oregon. The last 20-30 years has seen a huge popular rise in interest for rock climbing and Smith Rocks has been a magnet. Good rock, great routes - not all 5.10+ - good weather and decent bivouac facilities has made this area a true destination for the rock jock. Wander along the parking lot and you'll see license plates from all over the US and Canada; you'll hear many more languages than English - one of the few areas in this State that you can witness this phenomenom.
Written Jul 27, 2004
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There are a couple of restaurants in Terrebonne that serve up good Mexican food. Usually if you are staying in Terrebonne, you will have be renting a vacation house in the area. Normally, the weather is dry and warm and there will be a deck for outside dining. The food is then up to you and your imagination. Our particular house was located directly on the rim of the Crooked River Canyon. Waters rushed some 600 feet below. Views went on forever.
Favorite Dish: The favorite dish is whatever the cook - or cooks - have decided to cook up that evening. Add a little wine and some good company and you will be set for a memorable evening.
Written Jul 27, 2004
Terrebonne is one of Central Oregon's smallest communities, originally a small center for nearby ranches, now - much like most of Central Oregon - Terrebonne is a work in progress. It used to be one...
In the Peter Skene Ogden State Park is a walkway that will bring you close to the railroad bridge across the gorge at Crooked River. It is just a few miles from Terrebonne. If I'd had a good place to...
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