Beacon Rock Hike Difficulty. River to Rock Trail. It has stunning views of the Columbia River
River to Rock Trail. It has stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. Jan 6, 2026 · Yes, Beacon Rock Doetsch Walking Path is wheelchair-friendly. gov The River to Rock Trail in Beacon Rock State Park, located near Stevenson, Washington, offers a scenic route from the Columbia River to the base of Beacon Rock. 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. distance: 8. Elevation gain: Minimal. Who says the West is best? Start point: Dog Mountain Trailhead / Hike type: Modified Loop / Distance: 6. It can also connect you with the Hamilton Mountain Trail from the Beacon Rock Campground. It only takes about 45 minutes to walk to the summit, making this a family-friendly option as long as you don’t mind a bit of vertical. Jul 10, 2025 · Overlooking the Columbia River, Beacon Rock State Park is a great destination for hiking, technical climbing, horseback riding and biking. At more than 840 feet tall, it is higher than the Seattle Space Needle. Numerous observation platforms set along the stairway provide both rest breaks and gorgeous views. 2618 Latitude: 45. Lewis River Waterfalls Lower Lewis River Falls Number of waterfalls: 5 Distance: 6. 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. 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. Sep 17, 2023 · Review: Beacon Rock is a classic hike in the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington side. Info concerning road directions, brief history, climbing regulations, falcon closure status, climbing precautions, and sources to purchase the rock climbing map. 6 miles out and back Elevation gain: 500 feet Difficulty: Moderate Passes required: (1) NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, $5/day. The trail stretches about a mile and has Jan 31, 2025 · Turn around for an easy day hike, or check out one of the other hiking trails in Beacon Rock State Park. 0 mile Beacon Rock Trail. Beacon Rock overlooks a breathtaking section of Jan 3, 2026 · Background If you find this free trail guide useful, please provide payment by picking up at least one piece of litter on your hike. Turn left into the campground (directly across from the Beacon Rock) and follow it uphill a short ways. Kids over, say, 7, will likely be totally fine as long as they’re up for some climbing. Discover Pass required here. The trail up Beacon Rock is short and manageable for day hikers of all ages, at just under a mile in each direction. The trail switchbacks up the southern face of the 848-foot basalt rock that rises over the Columbia River and great views. Aug 7, 2019 · Dutchess Mount Beacon Beacon Distance: 2 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate Description: A fairly steep – though nothing compared to nearby Breakneck Ridge – hike, Mount Beacon follows the bed of the former Beacon Incline Railway. Oct 14, 2024 · There are plenty of awe-inspiring Washington state parks, but if you love to hike, Beacon Rock State Park is not one to miss. Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Beacon or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. A WTA-built single-track trail traverses the ridge, offering a wide vista of the Columbia River Gorge. Yet for some reason it was only recently that I began to explore the area. onthego on April 15, 2025: " ️Beacon Rock on a sunny day feels like stepping into a postcard. 03223 Features: This is a fairly newly constructed trail that uses both equestrian and foot trail portions to reach the highest point of Hardy Ridge. Jan 7, 2026 · On the return, you can turn onto the Hadley Trail and complete the Little Beacon Rock Loop Hike. Elevation gain: 680 feet. Feb 20, 2025 · Is This Hike for You? If you or your kids are afraid of heights, this is not your hike. Railings and bridges throughout the route make for an exciting hike. Mar 30, 2024 · We’d consider this somewhere between an easy and moderate hike for most people, which means it’s more on the moderate end of the spectrum for young kids. Dec 9, 2021 · Beacon Rock State Park is located in North Bonneville, Washington, and is only 45 minutes outside of Portland, Oregon. Beacon Rock and Hamilton Mountain are the more popular destinations here, while Hardy Ridge is far less crowded. This rating is based on trail width, grade, cross-slopes, obstacles, surface firmness, and surface type. Latitude: 45. An outstanding hike with all the right features such as water falls, steep cliffy areas, superb views, ridge line hiking, and deep forested areas, complete with a loop for minimal repeat scenery. If you can get past the first 30 minutes or so, though, this hike becomes more of a meander, with intermittent views in all directions as you circle the crown of Storm King Mountain. 6 days ago · The trail up Beacon Rock is short and manageable for day hikers of all ages, at just under a mile in each direction. Jul 6, 2023 · From the tip of Manhattan to the Adirondacks, the Hudson Valley is an adventurer’s dream, offering some of the toughest hikes on the East Coast that invite exploration, determination, and a test of grit. 02103 Features: NEW! Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike Jan 12, 2026 · • Parking fee information: A Discover Pass is required to park at trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park. 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 Dec 18, 2025 · An official form of the United States government. This hike also brings you to Rodney Falls, which is a great midpoint rest or a good turnaround point for hikers not wanting to complete the entire hike. 02103 Features: NEW! Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike Exploring Beacon Rock State Park? Try the Beacon Rock Trail, an easy-moderate trip to a lovely viewpoint. discoverpass. Distance: 1. Map of Beacon Rock Hike Length: 1. Jul 11, 2015 · Trip Report Beacon Rock State Park - Beacon Rock, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section H - Bridge of the Gods to White Pass — Sunday, Jul. Provided by Touchpoints Rock climbing resource map detailing the routes on the south face aspect of Beacon Rock. wa. Kid-friendly trails are typically short, with clearly marked paths and fairly level terrain. The hike to Hamilton Mountain via Rodney Falls has everything you’d want to see in the Columbia Gorge Region- waterfalls, river views, mountains, and more! Let us help you find the best Columbia Gorge hike for your next adventure. Jun 15, 2023 · These steep stretches in the beginning are the reason I’ve given this hike a fairly beefy difficulty rating of 6. Distance: 2. Some great views of Columbia Gorge and its waterfalls. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. 62909 Longitude: -122. This state park has 20 miles of hiking, mountain Hikes to this location: Beacon Rock Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG) Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps Latitude, Longitude: 45. Difficulty: Easy. Challenging, scenic & unforgettable. 2-mile loop. Aug 22, 2017 · The hidden hikes of the Columbia River Gorge offer everything from wildflowers to waterfalls. 5 miles out and back. May 29, 2025 · Hike Beacon Rock Trail in Washington State and discover its history while gaining stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. Elevation gain: 300 feet. Beacon Rock Trail. wa Explore the Beacon Rock Summit Trail hiking trail with detailed trail maps, elevation, distance, trail difficulty, and trail photos. ) **FIVE-ALARM, ATOMIC-WEDGIE UPDATE – posted April 2025** The Breakneck Ridge trailhead detailed in this trail Hike to the Beacon Heights summit off the Blue Ridge Parkway, catching stunning views of Grandfather Mountain from a pair of rocky overlooks. 02103 Features: NEW! Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike Apr 19, 2021 · Ready to take on the Breakneck Ridge Hike? Here is everything you need to know before tackling New York's most beautiful and toughest hike. 64088 Longitude: -122. Difficulty: Moderate. 6278, -122. After a short stroll through the woods, the trail hits the rock with a vengeance. There are over 30 miles of trails to enjoy here and this one route combines the best of them all in a shorter outing. It took us about 30 mins to make the climb, but it was well worth the effort. Watch on Instagram! The Best Part? No A challenging hike brimming with breathtaking sights at every step, the 7. The walk is uneven and steep and can be wet in winter. 量The trail is short but rewarding the whole way — about a mile to the top — with switchbacks that zigzag along the face of the rock. When Beacon Rock State Park is open, you drive to the picnic area and park at the Hamilton Mountain trail head. You can make a short loop hike to get views from the top of Little Beacon Rock and then return via the park campground. The views are breathtaking, and the challenge of the spiral staircase looks amazing. 6 miles round trip Elevation Change: 750' gain Season: Year Round Difficulty: Moderate due to steep climb Permit: Washington requires a Discover Pass day-use fee GPS: N45 37. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. wa Jun 18, 2018 · Beacon Rock Hike Description Beacon Rock is one of the most prominent and distinctive geological features in the Columbia River Gorge, an 848-foot landmark that was once the core of a volcano; what remains is what was not washed away by the massive force of ice-age flooding. This incredible hike only takes about an hour to complete, but has a shocking 600 feet of elevation gain. There’s a sturdy Jan 7, 2026 · • Parking fee information: A Discover Pass is required to park at trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park. Hiking here offers something for every age and skill level! Here's an ADA-accessible forested trail just over half a mile long in Beacon Rock State Park that takes you to a lookout point for Bonneville Dam and the Columbia Gorge. 1 miles (loop) elevation gain: 2,200 ft. 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 Jun 20, 2025 · Hikers can ascend the Beacon Rock Trail, built directly on the side of the rock with 52 switchbacks overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. For those seeking the Hamilton Mountain summit, cross the bridge in front of Rodney Falls and continue a quarter mile to the intersection with Hardy Creek Trail. wa Jun 29, 2023 · Most people who hike to Lion Rock’s summit start from Wong Tai Sin MTR station, but that route is often crowded and involves walking up a boring concrete road full of cars and taxis for nearly an hour. This hike is located within the Beacon Rock State Park, and is accessable via Kueffler Road, which is just west of the Beacon Rock parking area on Hwy 14. You'll see Beacon Rock getting bigger as you approach. As you drive along the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, the rock is visible from the riverbank. For more information, please visit https://www. At this point, there are two routes to the summit. Sep 22, 2025 · Check out the best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge listed from easy to difficult. We'll tell you why they made our list and what you see along the way. The viewpoint at the summit offers views up and down the river. 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 Aug 26, 2024 · Hike, bike, fish, and soak in the scene in these cool mountain towns, from Georgia to Virginia. May 26, 2023 · Beacon Rock Trail had been on my list for a long time and I finally got the chance to do it. Discover curated guides, trail maps, photos, and reviews for over 500,000 trails worldwide. Located within the larger Beacon Rock State Park, the Hamilton Mountain Trail is accessible all year round and is ideal for hiking, biking, and nature trips. This hike will include information about the park's history, flora and fauna and what exactly makes this park special. Jan 1, 2026 · Join Ranger Ryan Reynolds at 9 AM for a Ranger guided interpretive hike around Battle Ground Lake. Apr 15, 2025 · 236 likes, 76 comments - kerws. You’ll meet all of these smiling folks on this hike during the peak seasons. How to get? Safety tips for hiking Table Mountain. This iconic 1. Either stay right on the Hamilton Mountain Trail, which is the most direct and steep route, reaching the summit in 1. Want to check out Little Beacon Rock from the trail? Good news: 8 trails will you get you there, including hiking trails. The ice age Missoula Floods scored away the volcano's 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 Nov 15, 2025 · Ditch the crowds & find the 15+ best winter hikes in New York. A large, threatening gate prevents access and a sign warns that violators will be cited. Here is a brief history of Beacon Rock. 7454 W122 1. Hike Details: Beacon Rock is a 850 foot cinder cone along the Columbia River Gorge located in Beacon Rock State Park. The reward is well worth the modest effort required. Beacon Rock State Park features year round camping along the shore of the Columbia River. Drive 6. Find 75 mountain hikes near Asheville with detailed guides, photos & tips on the best scenic hiking trails in the North Carolina Smoky & Blue Ridge Mountains. The Hardy Ridge hike makes use of the old logging roads that wind through the backcountry or the park north of Highway 14. Hardy Falls, Rodney Falls, and Pool of the Wind. The trail winds through tall Douglas-fir trees, passing Jun 18, 2018 · Beacon Rock Hike Description Beacon Rock is one of the most prominent and distinctive geological features in the Columbia River Gorge, an 848-foot landmark that was once the core of a volcano; what remains is what was not washed away by the massive force of ice-age flooding. 02103 Features: NEW! Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike Nov 16, 2024 · 6 Fantastic hiking trail on Table Mountain. There are technical climbing routes on the rock, many closed seasonally for peregrine falcon nesting. Cha-ching! Thanks for being awesome! (And here’s a quick primer on Leave No Trace, too, to help us keep the trails nice and fresh for each other. 0209 Elevation: 848 feet Description Beacon Rock is the 57,000 year-old plug of relatively young cinder cone, now considered the most recent extrusion of the Boring Lava Field. Moss covered boulders line the wide gravelled path at the base. 8 miles out and back. With its majestic bridge across Hardy Creek, lush evergreen forest and enchanting stream crossings, it is a worthy destination in itself. gov • Short-term closure: The Hamilton Mountain trailhead is closed due to a landslide. Sep 22, 2023 · Hikes starting here Beacon Rock Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG) Fees and Regulations Discover Pass required $3 toll each way at the Bridge of the Gods The trail is closed from dusk to 8 a. 6 days ago · Yes, many trailgoers have described Beacon Heights Trail as good for kids and families. Conquering the Heights of Beacon Rock Trail! For us, one of the best hikes in Washington State. Check out Feb 20, 2025 · Our guide to the best hikes near Portland covers hikes for all abilities, downloadable trail maps and everything you need to get outdoors. Located within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this park encompasses miles and miles of roads/trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A local's guide to frozen waterfalls, epic views & trails. Hike Routes, directions We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The hike to Hamilton Mountain via Rodney Falls has everything you’d want to see in the Columbia Gorge Region- waterfalls, river views, mountains, and more! 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. This towering, rocky monolith stands above the densely forested banks of the Columbia River. There are endless year-round vantage points to take in the extraordinary Columbia River Gorge views. Plan your trip with hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Explore the Overlook Trail to Lambs Hill hiking trail with detailed trail maps, elevation, distance, trail difficulty, and trail photos. It's not too steep, and most of the surface has been paved over the decades at one time or another. Explore the most popular challenging 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. Explore the Beacon Rock Summit Trail hiking trail with detailed trail maps, elevation, distance, trail difficulty, and trail photos. 5 miles, and steep in places, but nothing a healthy dog, child or senior citizen can’t do. A must-do trail for adventurers and nature lovers! #pnw #beaconrockstatepark #hiking kmarxthespot13 1,032 Jan 23, 2021 · At Beacon Rock State Park, several former logging roads have been gated and turned into trails for hikers and equestrians. Elevation gain: 600 feet. Earn the best views of Hong Kong on this iconic & symbolic hill. Little Beacon Rock is another volcanic plug that sits above its much larger, but much younger neighbor, Beacon Rock. This short but epic trail will take you up switchbacks with breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge. Join Beacon Rock State Park Ranger Ryan Reynolds as he leads a historic journey through time at Beacon Rock. 5 miles west to the trailhead on the left side of the road. Looking for a challenge Top 10 Best Stroller Friendly Hikes in Blowing Rock, NC 28605 - Last Updated October 2025 - Yelp - Julian Price Lake Park, Beacon Heights Trail, Greenway Trail, Catawba Falls, Elk River Falls, Moses H Cone Memorial Park, High Mountain Expeditions, Memorial Park, Upper Creek Falls, Trash Can Falls Difficulty: Beacon Rock Trail is moderate difficulty, and suitable for all ages. It is well-maintained, although not paved most of the way. From a developed parking area on the south side of the highway, the hike heads up immediately -- after all, you have 848 feet to climb in less than a mile. 9 miles / Elevation gain: 2800 feet Difficulty: Difficult / Family Friendly: No Dog Mountain restrictions: Permits are required on Saturdays & Sundays March 31 - July 1. 3 days ago · • Parking fee information: A Discover Pass is required to park at trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park. There are barriers to keep you safe on most of the trail. Sights & scenery: Built directly onto the cliff, the trail offers nearly continuous views of the Columbia River Gorge. The trail is only accessible through the Hadley and Equestrian Trailhead routes. A short but steep trail sweeps up the side, mostly on boardwalks attached to the vertical rock. Distances, elevation, GPX files. Turn left/west onto WA Hwy 14. Jan 10, 2026 · • Parking fee information: A Discover Pass is required to park at trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park. 2. Hiking Beacon Rock Washington Beacon Rock Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park, which has 53 switchbacks over a series of catwalks and carved-out staircases all the way to the top. Leave your dog behind Restrooms, campground nearby, picnic area at River to Rock Trailhead, interpretive signs Driving Visited Beacon Rock with Oregon locals who had recommended the hike. Oct 20, 2021 · This is a truly spectacular route combining the best of Block Island from Black Rock Beach to Rodman's Hollow. difficulty: strenuous drive time from Portland: 1 hour Jan 7, 2026 · Camping is allowed on Little Beacon Rock Trail in Beacon Rock State Park. 6 miles out and back. Take your first right into the small trailhead parking lot. Trails like Breakneck Ridge, Mount Beacon, the daunting Catskill 9, and the notorious Devil Jul 29, 2024 · Located just off the train stop in Cold Springs, New York, Stoney Point features several hiking routes (ranging in difficulty), but the one with the best river views is Bull Hill. The trailhead is just west of milepost 35. Skeleton Gorge Hike from Kirstenbosch! Explore Table Mountain's "jungle," fynbos, and Maclear's Beacon. During winter, the gate to the campground and the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead may be closed, but you can park your car across the road at the Beacon Rock Trailhead and walk up the road. Route Description for Hamilton Mountain Trail The natural beauty of Beacon Rock State Park never fails to impress, and the hike up Hamilton Mountain is an ideal way to take it all in. Looking for the best hiking trails in Beacon? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 30 scenic trails in the Beacon area. Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. 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. It’s a long journey at about 7. 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. 2-mile Hamilton Mountain Trail is a heavily trafficked loop trail. An easy 2-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain. Pretty please. But the grade is surprisingly gentle, with plenty of places to catch your breath and enjoy a view. Sep 5, 2022 · • Parking fee information: A Discover Pass is required to park at trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park. For more information, please visit https://parks. At more than 840 feet tall, Beacon Rock is taller than the Seattle Space Needle Beacon Rock is a sight that can’t be missed while traveling down State Route 14 in southern Washington. 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. I definitely recommend going on a clear day to take in the breathtaking views on this dog friendly, short but steep hike. 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 Columbia River Gorge Hikes = hikes with accessibility information 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. Allow plenty of time, as you will absolutely be distracted taking in all the amazing sights along the trail. One of the most popular hiking trails in the Hudson Valley. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors in other ways, AllTrails has 15 scenic trails in the Little Beacon Rock area. Beacon Rock Doetsch Walking Path. It's hard to miss. However, the trail is not ADA‑accessible and not stroller‑accessible. Jan 12, 2026 · The hike begins with a tough climb up the Butter Hill Trail, featuring rocky scrambles and some hands-on sections, before leveling out along the ridgeline via the Highlands/Stillman Trail, where multiple lookout spots offer panoramic vistas. wa Hiking Beacon Rock Washington Beacon Rock Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park, which has 53 switchbacks over a series of catwalks and carved-out staircases all the way to the top. 5, 2015 Southwest Washington Trip Report By lifeisamt Map of Beacon Rock Hike Length: 1. 7 miles, hike through exposed clif areas abound with wildflowers Jan 16, 2023 · Here you will find out all about hiking Breakneck Ridge. These routes are closed to vehicles but open to equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers. The hike starts from the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, which comes complete with flushing toilets, picnic tables and even playground equipment. Explore the outdoors with AllTrails, the best app for hiking, biking, and running. m. 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. But if you’re looking for breathtaking views with minimal effort, Beacon Rock is a dream. 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. There are plenty of trails to explore in the park, but the most amazing is the Beacon Rock Trail. Jan 3, 2025 · Your guide to the Lion Rock Hike - starting point, difficulty, map, duration. Alternatively, drive east on Highway 14. Jan 10, 2022 · Beacon Heights Trail address: Beacon Heights Parking Lot, Linville, NC 28646 (Get directions) There are nine designated parking spots at the trailhead for Beacon Heights, which is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway and just minutes away from Grandfather Mountain.