Today we left our trailer at Cove Palisades and drove Charlotte over to a nearby state park called Smith Rock. It is only about a 15 or 20 mile drive and we were rewarded with some gorgeous examples of the effects of lava, basalt and layers of volcanic ash coupled with the always-present ravages of erosion. In this place 15 million years ago, liquid basalt flows and layers of volcanic ash up to a half mile deep have been vertically exposed through the effects of erosion and the abrasive action of the Crooked River sawing at the bottom of the formations.
This place offers extraordinary views of massive basalt and lava pillars extending from the valley floor where the Crooked River is meandering across the landscape. Almost all the rock formations are vertical in orientation such that many rock climbers could be spotted ascending the sides of the canyon. There are numerous trails throughout the park but all of them are accessible only by descending first to the bottom of the canyon and then taking any number of paths from there. One trail leads up a circuitous path and through many switchbacks to the top of the rocks on the other side of the park from the parking areas.
Peggy and I descended a very short way down our side of the canyon before deciding we were unprepared for a long walk further down, up one of the trails and then back down before the steep trudge up to where we started. Instead, we found a wonderful shady spot where we could see the entire park and watch the very fit drop into the gorge and scamper up the trails on the other side. From our vantage point we could watch as the athletic and sturdy types bailed over the edge and then ascended up trails on the other side of the park. One girl with skinny legs passed by us on the way down, was sighted part way up the other side of the canyon in about 10 minutes and was visible cresting the other side in about 25 minutes. On steep uphill sections we could see her almost trotting up the 20% grades. I was in pretty good shape back in the day but I do not think I could ever have matched her exhibition of power and stamina. The girl was back in the parking lot before we departed. Amazing.
The rock in the park comes in numerous textures and colors in this magic place. I’m not advocating breaking the unreasonable vice laws of this country but this place would be almost magical on acid. The colors, patterns and textures at this place are extraordinary and even old farts without the benefits of psychedelic drugs should find it amazing.
Some pix can be seen by clicking here