This loop hike will take you past the legendary features of Smith Rock without requiring you to do any technical climbing, making it ideal for those who wish to spectate rather than participate in vertical adventures. There are numerous possible detours from the route, but if you stick to it you'll see all the best parts of Smith Rock and get a decent workout in the process. Timing your trip so that you finish at the highest point (at the eastern end of the loop) just as the sun sets is highly recommended. The trail on the hike is clear and well maintained all the way, so you can concentrate on the scenery rather than the technicality.

There is ample parking at Smith Rock, so park up and then descend down on a good path to the bridge over the Crooked River. Even the journey down to the bridge is spectacular, and it only gets better as you follow the River Trail beneath the famous rock faces and alongside the peaceful river. Just as the River Trail begins to leave the river behind and turns into the Summit Trail you will pass under Smith Rock's most celebrated landmark - the Monkey Face - and you'll be in no doubt as to where it got its name!

Climb up the dusty slopes of the Summit Trail to the high point - literally and figuratively - of the hike. A steep descent and a bit more lovely riverside trail leads you back to the bridge and then the parking lot.