Beacon Rock State Park is one of the more recognizable landmarks in the Columbia River Gorge along the Oregon/Washington border. A popular spot for rock climbers, there is also a trail that snakes up the side of the 840-foot tall rock with 52 switchbacks and guard rails-no climbing harness required!
Beacon Rock, Washington Quick Stats
- Located in Beacon Rock State Park, which is 4,458 acres and offers 26 miles of trails and roads
- Passes and Permits: Discover Pass required ($45 annually or $10 per day)
- Distance from Portland: 45 minutes
- Camping at Beacon Rock State Park: Upper Campground has standard sites, and the Woodard Creek Campground has 2 standard and 5 full-hookup sites. Click here for more information about camping at Beacon Rock State Park.
- Beacon Rock Hike Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate. Switchbacks help create a more moderate gain.
- Highlights: Views of the Columbia Gorge along the entire trail
Beacon Rock History
Geology
Beacon Rock was once the core of a 57,000-year-old volcano that was part of the Boring Volcanic Field in the Portland/Vancouver area. During the ice ages, Glacial Lake Missoula repeatedly flooded the Columbia River Gorge with devastating amounts of fast-flowing water that helped shape the geology of the gorge. These Ice Age floodwaters eroded the softer material away from the core of the volcano that was Beacon Rock, leaving just the cone behind.
Early Human History
Today, the remaining Beacon Rock rises 840-850 feet above the Columbia River. The unique beehive-shaped rock caught the attention of the indigenous Sahaptian and Coast Salish people. The Columbia River was an important trade route and fishing resource for indigenous people for thousands of years.
By late 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition (Corps of Discovery) had reached the Columbia River Gorge. Meriwether Lewis described Beacon Rock in his journal and the expedition used the site as a campsite on their final push down the river toward the Pacific Ocean.
Beacon Rock Trail Construction
In 1915, a geologist named Henry Biddle purchased Beacon Rock with the goal of creating a trail to the top of the rock. For the next three years, he spent $10,000 of his own money to construct a trail to the rock’s summit. This included concrete slabs, 52 switchbacks, and 22 bridges. The route created by Biddle is the same one you hike today.
Hiking the Beacon Rock Trail
The trail to the top of Beacon Rock begins at the trailhead just off Highway 14 in Washington.
Click here for Google Maps directions to the Beacon Rock trailhead.
Parking fills up fast during the busier times of the year, especially weekends in the summer. Try to arrive early if possible to avoid some of the crowds!
Poison Oak and Hiking with Kids
From the trailhead, it is about a mile-long hike up to the top of Beacon Rock. The paved trail is easy to follow and has hand rails the entire length of the climb for safety. Keep an eye out for poison oak that sometimes pokes through the hand rails and is perfectly situated for unsuspecting ankles. Older kids will do great on this hike, but you will want to use caution with little ones due to the steep drop-offs on the other side of the hand rails.
Beacon Rock Views
Make sure to enjoy the views presented at each of the switchback overlooks as you get higher up the rock. The view from the top isn’t an all-encompassing panorama, and some of the best views are along the hike itself rather than the top.
The Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge looks a lot different than it used to because of a large burn caused by the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017. The fire burned 50,000 acres of land in the gorge and the dead trees on the opposite hillside from Beacon Rock are a stark reminder of the power of wildfire today.
Time-lapse of the Eagle Creek Fire
In addition to the steep hillsides of the Columbia River Gorge, you can see the upriver Bonneville Dam and the Pierce National Wildlife Refuge from the Beacon Rock Trail. Hardy Creek, which runs through Pierce National Wildlife Refuge, is home to one of the last chum salmon runs on the Columbia River. Bring polarized sunglasses to see sandbars below the surface of the Columbia River. There might be some fishing boats or kayakers out on the water to watch, as well.
Climbing at Beacon Rock
Beacon Rock is a very popular climbing spot for those who want to take a more technical route to the top. In fact, the 1901 initial ascent of Beacon Rock is known as one of the first technical climbs in Pacific Northwest history.
The eastern part of the rock is always closed to climbing, and the South Face has spring and summertime closures to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Check on the most current closures before going to make sure your intended route is open.
Other Trails in Beacon Rock State Park
Hamilton Mountain and Hardy Creek Loop
7.5 miles roundtrip, this hike features views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and waterfalls. Hardy Falls and Pool of the Winds are two highlights of the Hamilton Mountain hike.
Little Hamilton Mountain
4.4 miles roundtrip, the hike up to Little Hamilton Mountain is known for some excellent views of the Columbia River Gorge as well as a sunset-viewing spot. Rodney Falls and Pool of the Winds are other noteworthy spots along this trail.
Beacon Rock Doetsch Walking Path
An easy, 1-mile paved path that is kid-friendly but has nice views of the meadows and Beacon Rock. Awesome spot for blackberries later in the summer.
Food Recommendations Near Beacon Rock
Clark & Lewie’s Travelers Rest Saloon and Grill in Stevenson, WA
Awesome beer & burgers (bison, elk and beef)
Scoopy’s Social Club in Stevenson, WA
