Hikes Near Beacon Rock. Elevation gain: 300 feet. With varying levels of success and tantru
Elevation gain: 300 feet. With varying levels of success and tantrums along the way. Jun 27, 2022 · The hike up Beacon Rock is all about the views from start to finish, making it one of the best hikes near Portland. Shortly after you cross the dry brook, you reach the base of Rainbow Falls. Beacon Rock State Park is a 4,650-acre year-round camping park with historic significance dating back hundreds of years and 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. To ascend Beacon Rock, turn right, which leads to the Beacon Rock trailhead (and restrooms, at the far end of the parking area). The park boasts more than 5,000 acres of pristine land and is renowned for its majestic trails, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. About a 40 minute drive west of Hood River and White Salmon, the Hamilton Mountain hike is also a great day trip from Portland since the city is only one hour away. With its diverse range of essential amenities including multiple parking lots, restrooms, and picnic sites, visitors can enjoy a hassle-free and comfortable excursion. 0 mile Beacon Rock Trail. 5 mi5. For the adventuresome, lace up your hiking boots to scale the 1. Most of the elevation gain is in the first mile, until you come to a junction with another trail. Explore Beacon Rock State Park: A breathtaking natural retreat with majestic views, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife in the Columbia River Gorge. Beacon Rock overlooks a breathtaking section of the Columbia River Gorge, a deep, wide gouge in the earth carved by Ice Age floods. Add Your Trails 0. In 1915 a man named Henry Biddle Beacon Rock State Park is a stunning destination located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge in Washington state. Make sure to check out Beacon Rock, an overlook with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, a gouge that was previously created by the Ice Age Exploring Beacon Rock State Park? Try the Beacon Rock Trail, an easy-moderate trip to a lovely viewpoint. This hike will take place on the upper lake trail, which is an easy to moderate trail with a few elevation changes of up to 50 ft. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the park is home to an 848-foot basalt volcanic plug that towers over the surrounding landscape. Elevation gain: Minimal. 25 mile of the Breakneck Ridge Trail. To return to the start, retrace your 6 days ago · This loop follows the red, yellow, and white blazes at Mount Beacon Park in the Hudson Highlands. Plan your trip with hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Lewis and Clark named Beacon Rock in 1805 while paddling past its cliffs. Oct 25, 2015 · Beacon Rock Trail 52 Switchbacks And 22 Steel Bridges To The Summit Introduction A quick history lesson The 848-foot monolith, Beacon Rock, is located along the north side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Washington’s Beacon Rock State Park. The park includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. Hebron Rock Colony is awesome but may be cold come October. Distance: 2. River to Rock Trail. Make sure to check out Beacon Rock, an overlook with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, a gouge that was previously created by the Ice Age Watch short videos about easy hikes in washington from people around the world. Aug 11, 2022 · Location: Stevenson, WA Pass Required: Discover This classic hike in Beacon Rock State Park is one of the most popular amongst hikers in the Portland area. Trails in Beacon Rock State Park - 8 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Beacon Rock is an eroded basalt volcanic plug that stands at approximately 848 feet. The reward is well worth the modest effort required. Feb 20, 2025 · Is This Hike for You? If you or your kids are afraid of heights, this is not your hike. In 0. Want to check out Thunder Hill from the trail? Good news: 2 trails will get you there, including hiking trails. This is a surprisingly moderate hike along the core of an ancient volcano. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors in other ways, AllTrails has 4 scenic trails in the Beacon Rock area. The park includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River and more than 26 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. This state park has 20 miles of hiking, mountain Beacon Rock State Park is a 4,650-acre year-round camping park with historic significance dating back hundreds of years. No matter how you like to get out in nature, the trails near Thunder Hill are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. This hike will include information about the park's history, flora and fauna and what exactly makes this park special. 1 km#3Hardy Creek Trail Intermediate Stevenson, WA Intermediate Stevenson This iconic 1. 3 mi2. Getting Started When to Go Permits Dog Info Resources parks. The hike scales the core of an extinct volcano now known as Beacon Rock. Want to check out Beacon Rock from the trail? Good news: 4 trails will you get you there, including hiking trails. Hardy Falls, Rodney Falls, and Pool of the Wind. Make sure to check out Beacon Rock, an overlook with stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, a gouge that was previously created by the Ice Age Beacon Rock Trail. Over thousands of years, hundreds of massive floods (originating in Missoula, Montana) careened through the Columbia River Gorge and carved away the volcano’s • Parking fee information: A Discover Pass is required to park at trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park. Hiking Beacon Rock State Park - Hardy and Rodney Falls From the lower trailhead, start off hiking on a wide path through tall trees and mosses, accompanied by twittering, flitting songbirds. Hiking Beacon Rock State Park - Beacon Rock Beacon Rock's native name is "Che-Che-op-tin," which translates to "the navel of the world. . The park includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River and more than 26 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. 8 miles out and back. Overlooking the Columbia River, Beacon Rock State Park is a great destination for hiking, technical climbing, horseback riding and biking. Beacon Rock is the core of an ancient volcano. There are endless year-round vantage points to take in the extraordinary Columbia River Gorge views. Jun 20, 2025 · Beacon Rock State Park also has a lot of other things to check out if hiking isn't your thing. 6-mile trail to experience unparalleled panoramic views of the Gorge. The Hamilton Mountain trailhead is in Beacon Rock State Park near the Bonneville Dam in Washington, a short drive from the Bridge of the Gods that’s part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Browse through our parks or customize your search with the filters. For most folks, this will be an easy-moderate walk up this 845-foot-tall remnant of a 57,000-year-old eruption. The Roan Highlands is farther away but my all time favorite hike. The good news, the hike looks dangerous, but it's safe and will give you spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge. Explore the most popular short trails in Beacon Rock State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Enjoy Mar 30, 2024 · Is the Hike Up to the Top of Beacon Rock Easy? We hiked Beacon Rock early on a weekend morning, and we saw multiple families with young children attempting the climb up the 52 switchbacks up to the top. Start at the Mount Beacon Park parking lot and take Jul 20, 2022 · Parks, towns, and hidden trails to waterfalls where you can see life-changing cascades on the east and west sides of the Hudson River. From the Moorage at Beacon Rock State Park this short connector trail climbs through tall Douglas-fir trees, through the site of an old homestead and Filbert Orchard, then past Ridell Lake on its way to the namesake Rock. This route is a more challenging one that approaches the fire tower from the south on a part of the Breakneck Ridge Trail that will require you to do the rock scramble up the southern face of South Beacon Mountain. This approximately one mile trail provides a link between the East Hardy Ridge Trail and the Upper Hardy Creek Trail to providing multiple loop options in the backcountry of Beacon Rock State Park. " Native Americans weren't far off in their comparison, since the 848-foot basalt column once formed the core, or belly, of an ancient volcano. Beacon Rock Hike (Northwest Hiker) Beacon Rock State Park - Beacon Rock (Washington Trails Association) Beacon Rock (Friends of the Columbia Gorge) The Million Dollar View (WyEast Blog) Beacon Rock (Summit Post) Beacon Rock (Reading the Washington Landscape) "Beacon Rock State Park has classic Columbia River Gorge steel staircase trail" (Oregon Dec 9, 2021 · Beacon Rock State Park is located in North Bonneville, Washington, and is only 45 minutes outside of Portland, Oregon. Try to go on a clear day, but even on a cloudy day (pictured here in the video) you’ll still have gorgeous views of the water. The park has over 20 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. Over thousands of years, hundreds of massive floods (originating in Missoula, Montana) careened through the Columbia River Gorge and carved away the volcano’s Hiking Beacon Rock State Park - Hamilton Mountain This hike is full of the best things the Columbia Gorge has to offer: easy access and parking, well-maintained trail, wildflowers galore, two waterfalls and views to knock off your sweaty socks. Sep 4, 2023 · A 30+ year local's guide to all of the best things to do in Beacon NY, with insider tips and tricks for visiting the amazing Hudson Valley. At Beacon Rock State Park you will find a hike up the rock aided by bridge and stairs etched in the rock. Little Beacon Trail is a short spur trail off the Hadley Trail in Beacon Rock State Park over moss covered talus to the base of Little Beacon Rock and a view of Beacon Rock. The trail stretches about a mile and has 5 hours ago · North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway features several long hikes that reward endurance with sweeping mountain views, dense forests, and high-elevation scenery. Plan your trip with hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like Jan 1, 2026 · Join Ranger Ryan Reynolds at 9 AM for a Ranger guided interpretive hike around Battle Ground Lake. 5 km#1Little Beacon Rock Trail Easy Stevenson, WA Easy Stevenson, WA 1 3. Elevation gain: 680 feet. Purchased by Henry Biddle (a descendant of Nicholas Biddle) in 1915, he restored the Beacon Rock name, constructed a trail to the top, and donated it to the state of Washington. One of the most impressive parts of this hike is the trail itself, which is made of rocky switchbacks framed by a protective metal railing up a spire of basaltic andesite. Located within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this park encompasses miles and miles of roads/trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a solo adventurer, Beacon Rock State Park has something for everyone Sep 30, 2021 · Beacon Rock itself is the core of an ancient volcano. Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. Located near Stevenson, Washington, the area is popular with hikers, climbers and mountain bikers. 2 mile, the trails around the lake rejoin at its north end. Explore the most popular easy trails in Beacon Rock State Park with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. 5 miles out and back. The Flat Top Fire Tower trail gives you nice overviews of Boone and Blowing Rock. Elevation gain: 600 feet. Walking and Hiking in Beacon Rock State Park Beacon Rock State Park in Stevenson, United States, offers an exhilarating experience for walkers and hikers seeking outdoor adventure. Jan 20, 2022 · Most people approach the Beacon Fire Tower via the Casino Trail and then the northernmost 0. Beacon Rock is the core of an Beacon Rock Trail: hike description, photos, GPS map, and directions for an impressive trail in Beacon Rock State Park in the Columbia River Gorge, Washington Sep 10, 2025 · Want to check out Beacon Rock State Park Campground from the trail? Good news: 2 trails will you get you there, including hiking trails. Travel for New Yorkers – the best things to do in Cold Spring, NY, one of our favorite day trips from NYC. wa. Its a great hike for people who arrive at the park by boat or for anyone wanting to make a longer hike of the 1. To return to the start, retrace your Beacon Rock State Park boasts two of the Columbia Gorge’s most famous and popular trails: a switchbacking path up Beacon Rock’s 848-foot-tall block of basalt, and a longer trail that passes beautiful Rodney Falls before climbing steeply to cliff-edge viewpoints on Hamilton Mountain. It was near Beacon Rock that they first measured tidal influences from the ocean on the Columbia River. 6 days ago · • Parking fee information: A Discover Pass is required to park at trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park. A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead, which can be purchased on site. Beacon Rock is the core of an In 0. Watch on Instagram! The Best Part? No Overview Beacon Rock State Park is a state park in Washington. With its majestic bridge across Hardy Creek, lush evergreen forest and enchanting stream crossings, it is a worthy destination in itself. gov This is a surprisingly moderate hike along the core of an ancient volcano. Beacon Rock State Park features year round camping along the shore of the Columbia River. Washington has more than 140 state parks, historic sites, trails, marine parks and properties for you to explore. In person, the path is a little less exhilarating than the pictures may suggest. 6 miles out and back. Scenic hikes, shops, museums, and cozy cafés. Beacon Rock is only a part of a much larger 4,464-acre state park. Historically significant, Beacon Rock was originally named by Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean on October 31, 1805. Difficulty: Moderate. discoverpass. Jul 10, 2025 · Beacon Rock State Park is a 4,458-acre, year-round camping park located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Despite the 848-foot change in elevation, this is the perfect beginner hike, comprising 52 gradual switchbacks—worth it for the stunning views from the top. It’s under an hour’s drive from Portland, making for a great post-work hike. It starts from the Mount Beacon Incline Railway parking lot, ascends for a while on the Casino Trail (red), then takes the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (yellow), which cuts over to the Fishkill Ridge Trail (white). Distance: 1. Beacon Rock Doetsch Walking Path. Continue past power lines, ascending slightly, then descend to reach the northern trailhead to this hike on SR 14. But if you’re looking for breathtaking views with minimal effort, Beacon Rock is a dream. Beacon Rock State Park The 848-foot-high basalt column is in Beacon Rock State Park, which has more than 20 miles of trails along with campgrounds and picnic spots. May 25, 2022 · A dizzying mile-long switchback trail takes you up 848-foot Beacon Rock, but that’s not the only way to a tip-top experience. 2-mile loop. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors in other ways, AllTrails has 3 scenic trails in the Beacon Rock State Park Campground area. 1 km#3Hardy Creek Trail Intermediate Stevenson, WA Intermediate Stevenson Beacon Rock Hike (Northwest Hiker) Beacon Rock State Park - Beacon Rock (Washington Trails Association) Beacon Rock (Friends of the Columbia Gorge) The Million Dollar View (WyEast Blog) Beacon Rock (Summit Post) Beacon Rock (Reading the Washington Landscape) "Beacon Rock State Park has classic Columbia River Gorge steel staircase trail" (Oregon Jul 10, 2025 · Overlooking the Columbia River, Beacon Rock State Park is a great destination for hiking, technical climbing, horseback riding and biking. Beacon Rock State Park features year round camping along the shore of the Columbia River. gov wikipedia Hiking Trails (15) Reviews (4) The epic, mile-long hike to the top of Beacon Rock provides the best views of the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington side. Looking for a challenge? Choose from 3 When did you last hike a Volcano? Now you can, when you visit the Columbia River Gorge and hike at Beacon Rock State Park near our cabins! Beacon Rock State Park features year round camping along the shore of the Columbia River. 8-mile, out-and-back hike climbs 680 feet to the top of Beacon Rock, a free-standing basalt pillar along the Columbia River’s north shore. In the 1800s, it became known as Castle Rock. For more information, please visit https://www. 7 km#2Hamilton Mountain Trail Difficult Stevenson, WA Difficult Stevenson, WA 5 1. You’ll start at the trailhead right off of Highway 14 and begin the climb up the 848-foot Beacon Rock. Difficulty: Easy. 3 mi0. Hiking Beacon Rock State Park - Hamilton Mountain This hike is full of the best things the Columbia Gorge has to offer: easy access and parking, well-maintained trail, wildflowers galore, two waterfalls and views to knock off your sweaty socks.