Great hike to do while camping nearby at the state park. I recommend this hike for sunrise or sunset because it is exposed. Don’t let the reviews about “scrambling” scare you. There is one switchback with shale that’s a bit tedious and then another switchback with a small area that you probably need to hold onto a rock or two to climb up a few steps, but it’s very doable and hardly what I consider a scramble. Within one mile from the Dune campsite, you’re almost entirely to the top and the entire hike is less than 1k ft elevation gain, about 4.5 miles. This is a great middle of the road moderate hike—wear shoes with good tread.

This hike should be rated "difficult" because of the dangerous steep ascent/descent on the scree and dirt trail with rolling pebbles that make the trail very slippery.  It would help to install metal cables on the steepest sections.  However, this is one of the most spectacular trails in Washington once you get up to the top.  I appeal to WTA and State Parks department to improve the access and the safety of this trail.

Ticks are out in full force, we found over 10 large deer ticks on our dog after hiking in this area. Check yourself!
Otherwise trails are dusty but balsamroot is in bloom.

It was a great day for hiking this one. The only things that is slightly scary is going up and down the beginning to get to the top of the rock. Loose rocks and a little stealer of a slope. So BE CAREFUL.

I decided to hike this one for golden hour. I camped at SBR campground so I had a site right next to the trailhead. The road in is paved and the TH is also near the day use area. There are bathrooms in the campground also right by the trail.

Climbing to the top of the rock: This one is super fun but steep. All the climbing happens in a roughly half mile stretch. The sections up the basalt are a bit scrambly and involved loose dirt and rock.

The top of Steamboat rock: The top is truly surreal. You summit and it's this flat plateau that feels like it's in another world entirely. The views are truly stunning. The lake color is gorgeous and all the little islands are on full display. I encountered two other hiking groups who were heading back down as I reached the top.

I enjoyed wandering the trails at the top for about an hour before heading back down. I didn't want to be doing that loose downclimb in the dark. On the way down I encountered a herd of deer! I had heard about these guys, they were not terribly shy and let me pass by on the trail without spooking.

Got back down just at sunset.

Gorgeous and really unique hike, a must-do if you are in the park.