Mazama club party of 8 hikers started at Equestrian trailhead in Beacon Rock State Park. Did 13 mile loop to Hamilton Mtn and then Hardy Ridge summit, known as Phlox Point. Cumulative elevation gain 3,000'.

Nice, calm overcast day with good visibility. Nice alternative to the usually crowded main Hamilton Mtn trail, although no views until the saddle. Trails in good shape, with good signage at junctions. Several large but easily negotiated snow patches along the ridge to Phlox Point. This section may be hard to follow in full foliage.

This was my first time hiking this trail, I usually prefer less popular sites.  It was a beautiful day, and there were a lot of people there.  I found a parking space, but there weren't many left.
For me, this was a really difficult hike, mostly due to my really stubby legs.  There's a fair bit of climbing over basalt, once you get past the juncture with Hardy Creek, and I can't always step high enough to do it without scrambling.

I had intended to do the loop, and was looking forward to an easier trek down on the Hardy Creek Trail, but there was a fair bit of snow at the summit.  When I was trying to follow the loop around,  I stepped into a soft spot and my leg went all the way down into the snow.  My foot was trapped, and I couldn't back it out.  Some other people up there helped me dig my leg free, and I decided to come back down the way I went up.

They did follow the loop down, so it is clearly possible, but might need better gear, and probably best to not try it alone.

I have no photos, because I managed to break my phone at some point during my adventure.

beacon rock was closed, so we hiked the first portion of hamilton instead. the water falls and view point, wow! a fantastic hike! get there early, parking lot fills fast

What a gem this hike is!

When I arrived in the parking lot, the lower lot was full, the upper lot had only one or two spots left. I was getting there around noon, so definitely recommend getting there early.

I first hiked up to Rodney Falls before going the short distance back down to take the fork out to Hamilton Mountain. From the TH to the falls, it was immensely populated with people - groups of friends, families, doggos, etc. Lots of whom weren't wearing masks, so it made me a little weary. When I got to the falls there was a group of about 9 young teenagers goofing around maskless and doing a mini-photoshoot by the falls, not allowing others to view it. At this point I opted to move to the fork in the trail ASAP.

Once on the Hamilton Mountain trail, I only encountered a few people here and there in passing. I had the trail to myself for long periods of time. Once I reached the loop, I chose to do the trail counter-clockwise opting to take the switchbacks on the way up, and the horse trail on the way down. It was a lot, but I am glad I did! So many incredible views of the fog rolling through the mountains and the sun beaming through. I was swooning. Once I reached what AllTrails said was the "summit" I was a little disappointed because there weren't any views. There was a trail through some trees - I only went a short way down, I'm not sure that it went anywhere.

After I had a snack and chose to go down the opposite trail that I came up, I rounded a corner and was rewarded! There's a little plateau that opened up and beautiful views of the river, dam, mountains, clouds, and more. Spent a moment appreciating, then came back down. I'd recommend the counter-clockwise up for a challenge and rewarding views after the summit. I ran down the horse trail as it was wide and spacious. Then quickly ascended to join the main trail and back to my car. In total, it took about 4 hours with two stops, and visiting the waterfalls.

PS - It was very very (very) muddy. I got mud all over my shoes, pants, etc. Be prepared to get dirty :) 

We loved this hike. For someone used to hiking central Cascades, this was very different. It's hard to beat the combination of Columbia gorge view, the snowy tops of Mt. Adams and Mt.Hood at the Hamilton ridge, cliffs, surprising openings between the rocks and trees. We got to the trailhead early at 7:00 a.m., as weather report predicted high temperatures. Overall the trail is well shaded. We did the lollipop loop clockwise, which allows for more gradual climb and awesome views on the steep descent. If you are worried a about maintaining sure footing on the steep rocky cliffside, then it's probably better to do it counter clockwise. The east side can be steep in places with rocky stair-like sections. Boots with good traction and poles will help.

I would also choose long pants or gaiters. We have seen a poison oak on some tighter parts of the loop. Social distancing may be hard on some narrow parts, but the majority of hikers used face coverings. If you are doing a shorter hike to the falls (the lollipop stick and not the loop), then there is less to worry about. The path there is wide and well trodden.

The trailhead has pretty decent bathrooms and a couple of outdoor taps that were useful to clean our poles with soap to eliminate any chance of poison oak residue. Plus, outdoor taps are perfect for social distancing.