Otter Bench is a scenic hiking trail located on BLM land at the north end of Crooked River Ranch…read more Running parallel to Otter Bench for most of its length lies the Horny Hollow Trail, which runs closer to the river but is closed for wildlife restoration from February to August. Both trails parallel the Crooked River as it makes its way downstream to join the Deschutes and Metolius Rivers at Lake Billy Chinook. As with all rivers and creeks in Central Oregon, the Crooked has cut deep canyons into the overlying lava, creating spectacular vistas. After just under two miles, Otter Bench takes you right up to the canyon, joining the short Pink Trail that descends steeply down to the river. From there, you have the option to continue north on the somewhat longer Opal Canyon Trail. Other than the steep decent to the river - which is not necessary to enjoy this trail - Otter Bench is a fairly easy, flat hike. Trailhead is at the end of SW Horny Hollow Dr/SW Chinook Dr. From Hwy 97, drive as if you're going to the Crooked River Ranch Golf Course and keep driving until the road ends.

We did a 2.5 hour ride. Our guide, Devon from Indiana, was awesome! Most of us were first time…read morewhite water rafters. He gave us simple and easy instructions, which we quickly learned and were able to steer our raft down the river for 2.5 hours. No one fall out of our boat. There were 7 of us raning from 9 to 59 years old. A couple of people went in the water to swim. The last bit, rapids, was choppy for the swimmers. Most of us took a turn to ride at the front of the raft. It was ecstatic! Like the guide said, there was not time for water and bathroom breaks. Other than a pair of water shoes, you don't need a hat or glasses. You will get plenty wet and lots of fun. We bought the USB key with photos. Some are pretty blurry but captured your experience for the trip. Highly recommended family activity.

This was my 2nd year going on the Deschutes River with Shaka Rafting and it was absoulty AMAZING!…read moreOur guide PK ..aka... PP&J ..was such a excellent guide. He has a great sense of humor and made our trip, entertaining and informative. He was a prefect mix of professionalism & having fun!! Also, Mike was very helpful as well. They have a GREAT team at Shaka Rafting and my family and I will definitely be attending a 3rd year!!!...

First off, so much fun!! There isn't anything like them in the area so we had to give it a try…read more Affordable and the owners are super easy going and good humored. My nine and thirteen year olds worked the bikes with no problems and they zip around the water in the beautiful central Oregon sunshine easy peasy. Watched osprey fishing and enjoyed a beautiful view of the volcanoes. It's only as hard of a workout as you want to make it. Would definitely recommend reserving them ahead of time because this is one of those new things that's going to get very popular.

We had no idea what to expect. Off and road and down a winding two-lane to the resort property…read morewhich includes a golf course, bar, pool, and hiking trails. Amazing night skies!!! Adored the tiny wild bunnies, too! Located within Crooked River Ranch. First, we want to say a HUGE thank you to Samantha and Michelle who greeted us upon arrival and each morning of our stay. We shared lots of funny stories. We needed some breakfast bowls and utensils which Samantha quickly provided. Plus a "glass" for my morning shake. And, when we asked for more coffee packets and another pillow "Poof!" they were there. Now, this was off season and very few guests. I hope this is the level of hospitality during the busier months. But so glad we arrived after the heat and crowds. We had a king-bed yurt. Mattress was very comfy. And large soft pillows. Grateful for the small fridge and microwave oven. The oven seemed to have a grill/toast option which didn't really work for making toast. But we came prepared with granola and milk and enjoyed our breakfasts on the deck. We imagine during the summer months it much get pretty warm here. Not much shade, but spring and fall are delightful. Nearby hiking trail into the gorge would probably be best approached early or late in the day. Lots of nearby recreational activities including Smith Rock State Park. Sandbagger Saloon serves bar grub. An espresso cart had just closed for the season. Check about nearby equestrian opportunities and hiking on the Deschutes River. Also, very popular with fly-fisher folks.

After a 6 hr drive, we showed up and they told us they canceled our reservation because "Expedia"…read moregave them the wrong dates. They told us we didn't check in the date prior 8/29 (before our check-in date 8/30) and they rebooked the room. I showed them our proof of reservation showing the correct date of 8/30 and she shrugged and said "I don't know what to tell ya." I asked her why she didn't contact us before canceling our reservation and she said, "we don't do that." Mind you, this was a special trip for my husband's birthday! The manager also refused to give us a refund until I threatened to call the cops for double dipping- they took money for our reservation- that we NEVER canceled and took money for another reservation making the room unavailable. We had to scramble to find a hotel that costs 3x as much because of the holiday weekend and all they did was say "sorry". I will never book Smith Rock Resort again due to lack of accountability and respect from the owner - which is also evident in her responses to these reviews.

Went to a baby swim lesson (ages 6mo-3years) had a great…read moreclass w/ lots of helpful water safety information & tips to help keep my little one safe in the water!! we loved it & the staff was wonderful (their pool also has a gorgeous landscape view)

Best cleanest pool on the state of Oregon! Where else can you lapswim with a view of the Cascade…read moreMountains? Be watched by deer as you soak in the hot tub? The extra warmth in the therapy pool is great for us with arthritis! Water aerobics classes are fun and adjustable for your abilities. Walking in the current, in the "Lazy River" is a great way to improve your balance and strength! Madras has a GEM here, The only thing missing... IS YOU!

Nice enough place but avoid the lunches on general principle. Secure yourself a Banquet frozen…read moredinner and come out ahead. Lunches are now $4 and are sorry plates of, in today's instance, over, over cooked broccoli, undercooked yet dry meatloaf, some potato concoction of packaged, dry processed potato shards. Unlovely concoctions served up with a small glass of milk, an insulting stale square of partially edible lemon square? It was more like a woodworking project, as we sawed through the crust with hand tools... We gave up, and scraped bits from the top layer, sensing lemon. Very sad affair and I found myself only one of 6 other diners at the table who were miffed at the obvious botched attempt at nourishing sustenance. If this is what is served to seniors in the meals on wheels program, we would do them greater service to drop off a Banquet or Lean Cuisine. At least those are edible,with minimum gagging, and every bit as nourishing.

One of the closest climbing areas to the bridge and, by proxy, your car…read more The most notably lines here are: 5-gallon buckets: if you have a friend that climbed at Smith one time...this is likely what they climbed. It's a fun 5.8 sport route. It is extremely crowded. Zebra-Zion: a 5.10a trad multi-pitch linkup. Probably the most fun route at Smith that I've second'd. I don't have the balls for 5.10a trad :-/

Most of these routes are way above my pay-grade!…read more The only route of climbed is the left side of "The Beard" This area has a lot of history and a decent selection of 5.Hard routes It is relatively close to the parking lot, as far as crags in Smith go. It's next to The Dihedrals and very close to the infamous Asterisk Pass.