Homestead Trail to Canyon Trail at SMITH ROCK - Homestead Trail stays low along the Crooked River. Park at the far northern end and locate the trail at the apex of the turn-around. Descend a short section of switchbacks to the river and turn left to go toward the center of the park. Within a half mile, you’ll pass by the footbridge. Instead of crossing, keep straight along the southern side of the river onto the Canyon Trail.

This is a wonderful route for both hiking and photography as it offers so many angles of the impressive southern side of the rock formations. Additionally, if you time the hike just right during the morning or evening hours, you’ll be rewarded with a kaleidoscope of changing colors. If you choose to hike the out-and-back Canyon Trail in its entirety, it will take you 1.6 miles to the southern boundary of the park. Turn around here, or to make the hike shorter, simply turn around at any point prior. On the return, you can shorten your hike even more by veering up the Chute to the main parking area and walking along the paved path back to the turn-around.

Trail length: Up to 4.8 miles round trip with multiple options to shorten

Elevation gain: 250 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Meet time at parking lot of Village Grill 8:00 am

What to bring: water, snacks, hat, sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, poles optional. 

Note* There is a $5 parking fee - National Parks pass and NW Forest pass NOT accepted  

LUNCH at Initiative Brewing in Redmond afterward-OPTIONAL

We will need 2-3 drivers. LMK if you can drive and how many will fit comfortably.

$2-3 from passengers to driver for gas please.

Click on the link below to rsvp and complete your waiver and emergency contact information.