Smith Rock began its formation around 30 million years ago when a large caldera that stretched from Smith Rock, through Powell Butte, and all the way to Prineville, collapsed into an underground lava chamber. The resulting avalanche of rock and ash filled the caldera and then solidified into a rock called tuff which makes up much of Smith Rock’s amazing cliffs.
You can see the majority of the park by taking one of two trails, either Misery Ridge or the Summit Trail. Misery Ridge, the most famous trail at Smith Rock, will take you up and over the narrow strip of rock between the meander of the Crooked River. The Summit Trail will take you around the border of the park, covering the backside many visitors never see. Both trails will dump you back out onto the River Trail near Monkey Face, affording some beautiful views of the formations along the Crooked River on the way back.
Smith Rock makes for a great spring getaway. Wildflowers are starting to bloom and the heat is much more bearable (they don't call it Misery Ridge for nothing). The vistas here are some of the best and most dramatic in the state. Just don't expect to enjoy them alone.