Every time I am in Oregon, I make it a point to visit a new state park. Smith Rock State Park is one of central Oregon's most amazing places. Thirty million-year-old rock spires and cliffs draw rock climbers from all over the world, and the views in this 650-acre park are unbeatable. For one of the best views, take the strenuous Misery Ridge Trail. It's a tough slog... but this hike is rated as one of the best hiking trails in the U.S. and the payoff is pretty great!

Smith Rock State Park is truly a gem, and people come from all over the world to scale its towering buttes. You don't need to be a rock climber to enjoy the natural wonders here, though - you'll get your share of views and vistas while your feet are firmly planted on the ground.

For some of the best views, take the strenuous Misery Ridge and Summit Trail Loop. It's a 5.5-mile-long adventure that will take you up 1,778 feet. But let me forewarn you, if you are wondering "is the Misery Ridge Trail hard?" -- in my opinion, yes, it is.

If you're visiting during summer months, make sure to bring along plenty of water, and slather on the sunscreen. This part of the state and the very open Misery Ridge Trail in Oregon can experience triple-digit temperatures, and the trail is mostly sun-exposed.

There's a reason this one is called Misery Ridge Trail. There are a few spots that feel like they're straight up and down, and your knees and leg muscles will quickly remind you that even though you're not rock climbing, you're definitely still climbing. Just check out some of these Misery Ridge Trail photos for proof.

I'm in pretty decent shape and needed to stop off frequently to give my calves some rest!

But sometimes you might forget that answer is yes when you think about, is the Misery Ridge Trail hard. The views can really distract you from the burning in your thigh muscles. While you're trying to catch your breath, admire the vistas that stretch for miles.

The Misery Ridge Trail takes you up close to the park's most famous rock formation: Monkey Face. If you use your imagination a bit, you can see that the rock really does bear a resemblance to a monkey face! I enjoyed gazing at it from several different vantage points to see which one displayed the best resemblance.

Climbers get a thrill from tackling this 350-foot tower, and compete to see who can create the most difficult climbing route. From the safety of the Misery Ridge Trail in Oregon, you can imagine what it must be like to stand atop Monkey Face...

...but you'll enjoy the views every bit as much, without the climb!

The trail makes a loop, so you'll end up right where you began. And maybe by that time, you will have forgotten that Misery Ridge Trail is hard!

If you are lucky, you'll get to see some wildlife along the way, too.

These ducks seemed to be following (stalking?) us for a portion of the hike.

There was a light snowfall the day we headed out on this trail.

It really made for some gorgeous scenery.

But it also messed with our views.

But we made the best of it and took our time during the steep inclines.

And by the time we finished....

These were our views!

Learn more about Misery Ridge Trail at the website for Smith Rock State Park.

What would you answer if asked if this trail is hard? Tell us in the comments!

Don't forget to pack all of the essentials for this hike. Consult our Ultimate Hiking Packing List.

Get more information on what you can do when you visit Smith Rock State Park.