High Desert Trail Junction – Smith Rock State Park – Central Oregon

My goal of these wilderness trail videos is to 1) show reverence for the beauty of the land, and 2) give YOU actionable trail information that can assist you in planning your own hike here.

This was a day-hike in Central Oregon, Smith Rock State Park, starting at River Trail Trailhead and hiking an out and back exploring the West side of the Park with minor elevation gain. Weather was a low of 29 below freezing, high of 54, mildly to moderately windy, with beautiful blue sky as we enjoyed the morning sunrise. This was hiked on 11/8/2021 with fall colors in transition or full bloom, trail was completely clear of snow, and there were NO Mosquitoes! As far as road conditions, it could not be more easy, paved roads all the way to the parking lot. In my opinion, the road most definitely DOES NOT require 4-Wheel Drive. As far as permits, the River Trail Trailhead DOES NOT require a Recreation.gov permit.