Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books Beacon Rock
Beacon Rock earned its name when Captains Lewis and Clark camped in its shadow on their way to the Pacific Ocean in 1805. The rock is an 848-foot basalt column that formed the core of an ancient volcano. It towers over the Columbia River, and its sheer walls were unscaled until 1901-the date of the first recorded ascent of the rock. Notably, that first climb followed the route now covered by the intricate system of paths, bridges, and stairs that make up the trail today.
The hike begins as a gentle walk through the forest as the trail leads hikers around to the southern face of the rock. Then the climbing begins. Traversing and climbing sheer rock walls, the trail is daunting to consider but easy to hike. The ironworks that make up the bridges and stairs are solid and well braced on the indestructible rock face. The trail was built between 1915 and 1918 by Henry Biddle, who owned the rock and all the land about it at the time. The structures have been repaired, replaced, and reinforced in places over the years, but the trail built by Biddle is the one now used by thousands of recreationists every year. The route covers nearly a mile as it switches back and forth up the rock, but there are plenty of places folks can pause and catch their breath while enjoying the magnificent views of the Columbia River Gorge. At the top the views are even better, and there is never any question that the climb is worth the effort, for even when the gorge is filled with rain or fog, the view is splendid, wrapped in mists and shrouded in mantles of gray.
Driving Directions:
From I-205 in Vancouver, drive east on State Highway 14 for 30 miles to the Beacon Rock parking area on the north side of the highway. The trail is found on the south side of the highway. Recent Trip Reports
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trip reports for this hike.
Beacon Rock
— Apr 05, 2012
— justahikergrl
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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My boyfriend and I brought my 10y old son and my mother on this hike. It was very rainy on the way ...
My boyfriend and I brought my 10y old son and my mother on this hike. It was very rainy on the way but cleared up nicely by the time we got there. Not sure was the temp was but was started quite chilly but, warmed up just fine on the way up. Some people were wearing short sleeves. The trail was nice and easy. No mud or slick spots. And was not crowded.
There were plenty of beautiful views, a few flowers were blooming, and at the top were 2 chipmonks scurrying around happy to see us. There are very clean bathrooms at the bottom and a very nice park ranger who pointed out another trail across the road. It led to many waterfalls that were beautiful and worth the hike. Day hike
Issues:
Mudholes | Water on trail
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We arrived at Beacon rock at noon. It had rained earlier in the day and clouds were still drifting o...
We arrived at Beacon rock at noon. It had rained earlier in the day and clouds were still drifting over the top of the Columbia River Gorge. The trail up was well maintained and relatively easy with a few steep steps at the summit. The views along the trail are amazing, providing a great panorama of the gorge, but at the top the view disappoints as trees block most of the view. A short trail, but absolutely worth the visit.
After hiking down from Beacon Rock we crossed the highway and hiked a quarter mile up to the clearly marked Hamilton Mountain Trailhead (the road was closed to vehicles at the time, and a friendly Park Ranger provided us with directions while checking the parked cars for the Washington State Discovery Pass which is required to park in Beacon Rock State Park). We had planned to hike to the top of Hamilton Mountain (a relatively easy 4 miles) but stopped half way at Hardy and Rodney falls and Pool of the Winds due to time constraints, both falls are gorgeous and definitely worth the trek in to see. Day hike
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The main trail is a relatively short but steep climb. It was about 80 and a beautiful day for this h...
The main trail is a relatively short but steep climb. It was about 80 and a beautiful day for this hike. The trail is well maintained and there are guard rails all along as you progress up the side of Beacon rock. I did this alone but there were families with very young children and dogs also making the climb. The top boasts a 360 degree view (although blocked by some tree tops)that is totally worth the climb.
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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I was surprised that is little roadside hike would take my breath away. We did hike it on one of the...
I was surprised that is little roadside hike would take my breath away. We did hike it on one of the truly hot days this summer. The ascent is along the south facing slope, and with the radiant heat from the basalt face of the rock it was probably close to 100 degrees. I am glad I brought two bottles of water. There is also a water spigot at the trail head. Make sure to fill up your water bottles before you scale the rock. If you bring your dog, your pet will need a water pack as well.
Beacon Rock
— Mar 27, 2010
— austineats
Day hike
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My son and I were off from his home in Vancouver for spring break. Almost immediately we were passin...
My son and I were off from his home in Vancouver for spring break. Almost immediately we were passing Beacon Rock along the Columbia River. I'm so glad we decided to stop. This trail is suitable for all members of the family including the dog (on a leash). The trail to the summit of this volcanic remnant was blasted into it's sides over three years. The trail/staircase is quite fun gaining ~850 in under a mile. This trail is not for the vertiginous. It winds tortuously up and up sometimes spiraling and frequently using short bridges extending out over a whole lot of nothing but air.
This isn't a hike for solitude or wilderness. It is a hike for stopping the car and giving the kids a thrill without much of a time commitment. The views of the Columbia River are fantastic and they'll be tired in the back seat for the remainder of the afternoon. The rest of this report is for a separate hike called Twin Pillars which is just outside of Prineville, Oregon. I've included it here because there is no listing for it on the WTA site (for good reason being in Oregon and all). My son and I headed to central Oregon in hopes of finding warm weather this past weekend. We eventually gave up all hope and went snowboarding at Mount Bachelor which was spectacular. But back to what you've logged in to read about. Prineville was our jump off point. From the eastern end of the town head 5 miles out on highway 26 and turn left on Mill Creek road. About ten miles up this road we encountered Stein's Pillar. This remnant of volcanic activity hangs high over a picturesque valley. It is a remote, meaningless tower with a moderately difficult technical ascent that I've long fantasized about climbing. I have to laugh at myself as until that moment I didn't even know where it was. Admittedly it was a pathetic little thrill to find it. Conversely it really is a dramatic little peak. Two miles past Stein's is the Jackson Camp Ground and the trail head. The first mile or two of the trail it plays games switching sides of the river like politicians do an issue. The trail is level and pleasant but devoid of bridges. Spring runoff made for some interesting crossings to say the least. Ponderosa Pines dominated the landscape with their sweet butterscotch aroma. Soon enough the terrain starts to climb. Sadly the Mill Creek Wilderness had a serious burn about a decade ago and there is a lot of windfall and thick under growth makes the going slow. Twin Pillars themselves are a group (4 towers as far as we could see) of what appear to have volcanic origins. The East side forest and river settings were fantastic up to the point of the fire. Sadly it will be a generation or two before this area returns to it's prior beauty. |
 Beacon Rock, photo by Gren Bjork
2010
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