I discovered this hike when I was driving back from Portland along I-84. I looked across the river and saw a lonely, rocky spire. I had to check it out!
Beacon Rock State Park is along the Columbia River gorge, just west of Bonneville Dam. It's a gorgeous area even though across the river is currently scarred from last year's Eagle Creek fire. This hike is short, just a mile to the top, but there's lots of other hikes in the park to choose from to extend your stay.
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| Beacon Rock Washington State Parks Parking permit: Discover pass ($10/day or $30/year) Distance: 2 miles round-trip Elevation gain: 600' |
Parking is in the state park in a turn-off right off Highway 14. There's a decent privy at the trailhead. Follow the signs to the hiking trail; the other trails you see lead to the technical climbing route.
(Fair warning: if you access it from I-84, the Bridge of the Gods is a $2 toll each way. I did not know this until I got there. They accept plastic, but on my return trip their computer was down so I had to pay with a $20 bill and got all my change in $1s.)
As you climb, you'll zig-zag back and forth along the literally dozens of switchbacks, with amazing views the whole way. There's a commemorative stamp at the summit; I brought nothing to stamp so I used my arm but if you want a souvenir bring a notebook or something. There are a lot of switchbacks. And I mean a lot of switchbacks. It's enough to make you a little...crazy.
In fact, instead of my usual blog writing, I'm just going to give you screenshots of my Facebook feed and let them speak for themselves. Enjoy.
Honestly, this was a really easy hike. Despite the climb, the trail is fairly even. Kids could do this hike. Combine it with other hikes in the park and make a full day trip out of it!
