Beacon Rock State Park - Hamilton Mountain — Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

We hiked this trail on a cloudy, rainy Sunday after spending the night in Portland. Despite the weather, the parking lot was about half full. We heard reports of "hail-like" snow on the summit, but never saw anything but light rain and fog. The trail was a little muddy at times, but in good condition overall. The rockier sections of switchbacks closer to the summit were wet and slippery but nothing unusual. The fog was thick up top, so the views were left to our imagination on this classic Northwest November afternoon, but I imagine they would be gloriously expansive on a clear day. The trail is mostly exposed and open after leaving the junction with the Hardy Ridge Connector trail. I plan on returning for a sunny spring morning hike to enjoy the views, but the waterfalls were still a hike-worthy highlight. All in all, a nice moderately quick hike if you're already in the area. And, time permitting, still close enough for one more pass through the Portland food trucks on the return to Seattle.