RECOIL OFFGRID Survival Offgrid Adventures: From Mountains to Mines
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For those seeking more than a typical getaway, these handpicked wilderness escapes offer more than just scenic views. They challenge your grit, test your limits, and immerse you in landscapes where survival and adventure go hand in hand. Planning a backcountry trek or craving time off the grid? These destinations deliver the perfect blend of raw beauty and adventure. First, we get an awe-inspiring view with a location deep in the heart of Oregon. Not to be outdone, the East Coast of the U.S. offers an epic historical location.
This hidden gem is only a few minutes from Highway 97, making it ideal for a quick, scenic driving break or for a more serious day of adventure.
Adventure Appeal: Smith Rock State Park is an adventure junkie’s playground. Towering 600-foot cliffs of tuff and basalt line the Crooked River canyon, offering one of the most iconic climbing destinations in North America. This is the birthplace of American sport climbing, home to more than 1,800 routes ranging from beginner-friendly top ropes to world-famous test pieces like To Bolt or Not to Be and Just Do It.
But you don’t have to be a climber to appreciate the terrain — hikers and trail runners can tackle the grueling Misery Ridge, explore hidden gullies, or loop around the Summit Trail for sweeping views of high desert spires, eagle nests, and deep-cut bends in the river. Mountain bikers have access to surrounding public lands that expand the adventure well beyond park boundaries.
Alpinists of all experience levels will find something to pit their skills against. From boulders with climbing rungs embedded into the rock, to sheer, nearly vertical cliff faces.
Survival Readiness: Smith Rock may be a state park, but its environment demands a solid baseline of preparedness. Summer temps regularly spike over 100 degrees F, and shade is scarce, so hydration and sun protection are non-negotiable. In winter, freezing temps can turn trails into icy death traps. Cell reception is limited in many areas, and while the main trails are well-traveled, some climbing approaches — especially in the Marsupials or the West Side Crags — are remote, exposed, and require navigation awareness.
Rattlesnakes are present in warmer months, and cliffside drops are no joke. Pack accordingly: layered clothing, high-calorie snacks, a headlamp, and a map of the park’s extensive trail system. If you’re staying overnight at the walk-in bivouac, remember: no fires, no vehicles, and no margin for poor gear choices.
Topo map of Smith Rock State Park (Source: CalTopo)
Getting There: Located just outside the small town of Terrebonne, Oregon, Smith Rock is easy to find but can get overwhelming fast. From Highway 97, turn onto Smith Rock Way, then northeast onto NE 17th Street. This turns into Crooked River Drive and brings you to the main entrance.
The day-use area is open dawn to dusk, but parking is limited — especially during summer and if construction is going on. Arrive early or expect to hike in from overflow lots. For less-congested approaches to quieter areas like the Marsupials or Skull Hollow BLM campground, consider alternate trailheads or looping in from Bureau of Land Management access points on the park’s flanks.
Well-groomed trails meander throughout the entire area, perfect for those who want to leisurely enjoy the stunning views.
Local Perks: When you’re ready to refuel, Terrebonne has a few gems that punch above their weight. Terrebonne Depot offers pub fare with a view of the cliffs you just climbed. Gear needs? Redpoint Climbers Supply stocks everything from cams to cold brew and often serves as an unofficial hub for local beta.
For post-hike recovery, head into nearby Redmond for groceries, lodging, or a full meal. Skull Hollow Campground, just a short drive east, is a favorite for climbers needing space to spread out. And if you’re in the area during spring, keep an eye out for trail races that cut through the park — nothing like cheering on runners who just suffered up Misery Ridge in the name of fun.
Mine Hill Preserve was once an active iron mine dating back to the 1800s. While it has long since shuttered, remains of the historical mining operation can be found throughout the preserve.
Adventure Appeal: Mine Hill Preserve provides 360 acres of ruins, forests, rough trails, and enough elevation gain to get your heart pumping. The adventure starts right after you turn off the paved road, where you must follow a narrow dirt road up steep hills to access the parking area. From the parking area, you’ll find a short walk to the steel production facilities, offering a ton of historic information placards along the way. The steel production site has a replicated version of the original blast furnace along with some of the original stone store house buildings.
From the steel production site, you can follow the original donkey trail that was used to transport iron ore from the mines up in the hills.
This path takes you to an old mine entrance that’s blocked by an iron gate. While you can’t enter the mine for safety reasons, you’ll feel the unmistakable cold damp air coming from deep within the hills as you approach the gate. From here, it’s all up hill — literally! Following the windy path past the mine entrance will lead you up a rocky and engaging trail up to the top of mine hill where you will find the original dig sites into the mines. These caverns have been covered by steel cages, allowing safe viewing from both sides and directly above the caverns themselves. You’re also more than likely to see a few bats flying about, and if you bring a high-powered flashlight, you’ll be able to see many more within the caverns. If you continue to follow the trail it will take you around the backside of the hill, offering great views of the Shepaug River and lead you back to the steel production site. The total trail runs just over six miles and offers 1,100 feet of total elevation gain.
The long since closed entrance to the mine produces a blast of cold air year-round.
Survival Readiness: While Mine Hill isn’t very far from civilization, the trails are rated as moderate for an experienced hiker, with many less seasoned hikers finding the rocky trails and steep elevation gains very difficult. There are some porta potties in the parking area, but beyond that there are no other facilities, so make sure you are packing adequate food and water for a challenging hike. While six miles may not seem very long, the challenging terrain makes movement both up and downhill difficult, so expect the full loop to take a minimum of three to four hours without stopping to take in the views.
This isn’t a trail you want to take your tennis shoes on. Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip are essential. The trails are narrow and bring you up close and personal with much of the brush, exposing you to ticks that may carry Lyme disease. Long pants and bug repellent are a good idea.
Other potentially dangerous wildlife in the area are coyotes, black bears, timber rattlers, and copper heads. It’s always a good idea to have bear spray for the larger animals and stay out of dense underbrush to avoid those venomous snakes.
Having some basic first aid supplies will be of value here, as the rocky terrain can lead to falls, scrapes, and cuts. Finally, you’ll want to make sure you pack a powerful flashlight to take advantage of the incredible view the mine caverns provide.
Topo map of Mine Hill Preserve (Source: CalTopo)
Getting There: Roxbury is located 65 miles northeast of New York City and requires a bit of back road navigation from Exit 16 off Interstate 84. With GPS, it’s easy to find, just ensure you’re comfortable driving on narrow dirt roads uphill for the tail end of the trip.
A reproduction of the original blast furnace used for the production of steel.
Local Perks: Roxbury offers several other major historical sites, including the historic district with many well-preserved 18th-century homes and buildings, as well as the restored Roxbury Station Museum highlighting early railways in the area. For fans of more recent history, you can also find one of Marilyn Monroe’s homes in Roxbury.
To complete your historic adventure, Roxbury and the surrounding towns offer many dining options with a distinct New England flavor. Some of these include historic eateries like the 1754 House in neighboring Woodbury and the 1850 Brunch House in Southbury.
Have you explored Smith Rock, Mine Hill, or found another off-the-grid gem? We want to hear about it! Tag @RecoilOffgrid on social media or send an email to offgrid@recoilweb.com with your stories and recommendations. Your adventure could be featured in our next issue!
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Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.
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