Smith Rock State Park remains a tried-and-true favorite for a hike.

The area features several hiking options, but Misery Ridge Trail and the River Trail are the most popular. The Misery Ridge trail earned its name for its steep incline on a .68-mile hike with switchbacks to the summit. The hike to the top of Smith Rock State Park is well worth the view. The vast expanse of the High Desert landscape goes as far as the eye can see, you’re at eye level with the monkey face shaped rock formation and the Cascade Mountain range sits in the distance; it’s a stunner.

The River Trail is a more relaxing hike option, which goes around the base of Smith Rock and weaves along the river. The state park is also a hub for rock climbers, who scale the sides of the rock canyon as hikers walk past.

Contact: Terrebonne; oregonstateparks.org and 541-548-7501

No. 2: Green Lakes Loop

No. 3: Deschutes River Trail

Honorable mentions: Tumalo Mountain and Shevlin Park