On July 3, 2002 Funhog placed two letterboxes at Smith Rock State Park near
Terrebonne, Jefferson County, Oregon. Volcanic action and water erosion
joined forces to create spectacular multi-hued rock formations in this
breathtaking park. The sheer cliffs and ledges attract rock climbers from
all over the globe and are perfect sites for eagles to build their
gargantuan nests. In season, lovely wildflowers can be found along the
trails. Come in early June to see nesting,eagles and early July for
Mariposa Lilies.

To the trailhead: The small town of Terrebonne is located between Redmond
and Madras on Highway 97. There are signs here to direct you east to the
park entrance. You will find vending machines where you can purchase your
day use pass. Binoculars will be a big help in locating box #1 and water is
essential when hiking to box #2. You should be able to find both of these
boxes in a couple of hours.

To letterbox #1, The Golden Eagle: Park at the very end of the road, at the
viewpoint turnaround. Find the interpretive sign about nesting eagles and
head down the short gravel path to the cliff rim overlooking the Crooked
River Canyon. Nearby, find a rocky bowl where you can stand on a carpet of
juniper needles about 6 feet back from the cliff edge. There are eagles'
nests on the rock face across the canyon at 345 and 315 degrees magnetic
and the turn of a switchback trail at 65 degrees. A pair of junipers about
six feet apart are at your back and the letterbox is at your ankles.

To letterbox #2, The Mariposa Lily: Park at the picnic area where you can
usually pick up a trail map. Head down the trail and cross the footbridge
over the Crooked River. There is a trail map posted here. Go left towards
Monkey Face, keeping on the Riverside Trail until you spy the simian
monolith. Soon you will meet a ponderous pair of Siamese twins on the left
side of the trail. Keep walking until you meet their solo brother standing
right in the middle of the path. Walk 60 more steps to the beginning of a
small retaining wall where the letterbox lives about 5 feet before a
juniper tree. If you feel like you want a serious aerobic workout, and have
plenty of water, you can complete a loop back to your car by continuing on
to the right fork in the trail which takes you up, over the top of Misery
Ridge. Otherwise, double back and enjoy the scenery in reverse.