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Beacon Rock

Day Work Party

Thu Sep 25, 2025: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM

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Region

Southwest — Columbia River Gorge - WA

Features: Earn Discover Pass

Crew Leader: James Alexander

Photo by VanMallynch

Overview

The west side of the Hardy Ridge Trail still needs brushing, debris clearing, and drainage work (but mostly brushing) so that folks can hike it this season without feeling like they're wading through bushes or walking in streams. Come lend a hand to help tune up this trail for fall and winter hikes.

About the Area

The Hardy Ridge loop hike makes use of the old logging roads that wind through the backcountry of the park north of Highway 14. These routes are closed to vehicles but open to equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers. A WTA built single-track trail traverses the ridge, offering, on a nice day, a wide vista of the Columbia River Gorge.

What to Expect

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Project Description

You will meet at the Equestrian Trailhead at 8:30 then consolidate vehicles to pass through the locked gate to get closer to the work area. You will then spend the day cutting a wider path and improving drainage using hand and power tools so that the trail can support happy hikers.

Hiking Information

Our hike to the project site is expected to be up to 3 miles roundtrip over hilly and sometimes steep terrain.

Schedule

  • 8:25 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine!
  • 8:30 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then caravan in to the project site
  • Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
  • Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
  • 3:30 PM: Enjoy refreshments at the trailhead before making your way home

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great day outside!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

  • No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need
  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
  • For ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear

Required:

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes
  • Work gloves
  • Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
  • Long pants

Recommended:

  • Sturdy work or hiking boots
  • Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

What to Bring


  • Lunch and plenty of water
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
  • A pack to carry your personal gear
  • A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

From the Hiking Guide

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

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Partners

Directions

Meet at the Equestrian Trailhead/Campground.

From Vancouver go east on Hwy 14 through Camas and Washougal. Continue east on Hwy 14 for about 30 miles and you will reach the Beacon Rock Park, turn left (head North, away from the river) onto Kueffler Road (just before, or west of, the Beacon Rock Ranger Station). Continue on Kueffler Road until ~200 ft past the 1 mile marker, turn right onto the gravel road that will end at the equestrian trailhead/campground (Driving time from Vancouver: approximately 1 hours.)

If you're coming from communities upriver in the Gorge. Take Hwy 14 west. In about 7 miles past Bridge of the Gods turn right on to Kueffler Rd. just past the main parking area in front of Beacon Rock. Kueffler is immediatly west of the State Park headquarters on the right. Continue on Kueffler Road until ~200 ft past the 1 mile marker, turn right onto the gravel road that will end at the equestrian trailhead/campground (Driving time from Vancouver: approximately 1 hours.)

Note: Please follow the written directions above instead of using a GPS device. This will ensure that you get to the correct meeting location for this work party. The location of the pinpoint below is only approximate.

Getting to WTA work parties can involve travel on rough, unpaved roads in areas without cellular service and without street addresses that can be accurately used by navigation devices. Unless specifically noted otherwise, routes can generally be traveled by all types of vehicles. Volunteers with limited experience driving on unpaved mountain roads may want to allow extra time, beyond what is recommended in the directions above, to get to the meeting location.

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