National Trails Day: Smith Rock Trail Party – Central Oregon

Crew Leader: Curtis S.

Hike Distance: 2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 800 ft

Hike Difficulty: Easy

Work Difficulty: Moderate

Project Overview:

Join us on Oregon State Parks Day, also National Trails Day, at Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon. The recent high water on the Crooked River has damaged some trails and retaining walls on the River Trail. We need your help to repair these and keep this very popular trail in good shape.

Hiking information:

Most of the hike to the work site is flat along the Crooked River. Elevation change is getting in and out of the Crooked River canyon.

What to expect:

You should expect to participate in this work party for its entirety. For safety reasons, please do not arrive late or expect to be able to leave early.

While it is getting out of winter, there is still chance of snow in Central Oregon. If there is significant snow on the ground we will reschedule. If you sign up you will be notified if there are changes due to weather.

What to bring:

• Lunch
• Plenty of water, there is no potable water at the work location.
• Snacks
• Personal hygiene kit and work gloves (loaner gloves available if you do not have your own)

What to wear:

• Hiking boots or shoes. Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Tennis shoes are not recommended and open toed shoes will not be allowed.
• Work gloves if you have them. (loaner gloves available)
• Long sleeved shirts and pants.
• Clothing as appropriate for the weather. With Central Oregon weather this can range from rain gear to sun screen. More information as the event date gets closer.
• TKO will supply hard hats and safety glasses as needed.

Directions:

Smith Rock State Park, 3.5 miles East of Terrebonne OR, 30 miles North of Bend OR. Follow signs from Hwy 97, East to Smith Rock State Park. Meet North of the Visitor Center near the Canyon Trail Trailhead.

Google Map Link

Latitude: 44.365891 N Longitude: -121.137377 W

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes. In every corner of what we now call Oregon, these people were forced to cede their land, their home, to the US government at various times throughout history. We are privileged to volunteer on these lands & express gratitude to the descendants of these tribes for being the original stewards of this land.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical & emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable/unsafe – interrupt directly, tell a crew leader &/or complete a post-event survey.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe & welcome in the outdoors due to racism, bias & hate. We commit to being part of the solution to change that. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target individuals or groups will not be tolerated by TKO, regardless of whether they are based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.