Winner: Smith Rock, Terrebonne Photo by Tyler Roemer Geologists call it welded tuff, rock climbers call it unwieldy and tough. Rising 300 to 550 feet above the high desert, Smith Rock’s vertical walls and spires attract rock climbers of all skill levels. Inside Smith Rock State Park, a thousand routes, including several on iconic Monkey Face, allow novice and experienced climbers to test their nerves. If cliff hanging isn’t for you, watch from a safe distance atop Misery Ridge Summit, which also has stunning views in all directions. Park visitors can horseback ride, mountain bike or hike miles of trails in and around the park. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in warm months. Runner-Up: Tam McArthur Rim, Bend Photo by Christian Heeb This moderately difficult hike within the Three Sisters Wilderness showcases the alpine volcanic environment at its best. The trailhead starts at Three Creek Lake about twenty miles…

I have no marketable relationship with Yaktrax, but I do want to sing their praises, if briefly. This was my morning run. Understandably, most people don’t see these conditions as an opportunity to head out on a run. Thankfully, most people think differently. With Yaktracks, though, the outdoor trail running season is whatever you make of it. This morning was indeed a bit cold and snow from the past two days made for a crystalline path in the early sun. This turned out to be a cool bit of solitude in the forest and along the Deschutes River. Some people claim–and I question that claim–that they can tell when dogs are smiling. If dogs do have a capacity to smile, Guinness, my sled dog, was doing just that.

1859 designer extraordinaire Guy Olson took his first ride of the season this weekend.