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    Beacon Rock State Park

    4.7 (83 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Beacon Rock State Park Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Beacon Rock State Park

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    Beacon Rock info sign
    Sarah C.

    Camped here for long weekend over July 4th! It was my first time visiting and I feel like Beacon Rock is a bucket list item for people in the Portland area. Whether you come here for a day trip or to camp, it's absolutely worth making the visit. The hike up Beacon Rock is of course a highlight of the area, though the park is much larger in its entirety. The switchback system is really cool, the views are gorgeous, people are friendly as they huff and puff their way up the hill. We saw all sorts of people doing the hike, from little kids to older folks, so anyone can do this. Just be prepared for a lot of uphill, be ready to take breaks, and bring water. Though the best views are on the way up and not from the actual summit, I highly recommend doing the whole thing for the sense of accomplishment it will bring you. As for the camping itself... Cons of the campsite: Loud (crows,* train,** people) Dirty bathrooms Lots of bugs/mosquitos Sloped or small sites No firewood sold at the campsite Pros of the campsite: Close proximity to Portland Great hikes Dog-friendly on leash Well-maintained landscaping Limited cell signal Not too far from the small towns of North Bonneville and Stevenson * We were victims to an animal raid of our camp. They ate ALL of our bread. Don't be like me and leave your food out even if it's just for a short walk. ** Some people dislike noise of the trains from the campsite. I actually enjoyed them, once I started to pretend that I was in an old western movie and the train rolling through carried horses and bandits and coal. Last but not least, you need either a Washington Discovery Pass, to pay a $10 day use fee, or to pay for a campsite.

    Beacon Rock on 09/03/2021
    Rebecca R.

    When researching a hiking trail that wasn't to strenuous but wasn't super easy either, Beacon Rock seemed like the perfect one for my hubby & I to climb during our recent trip to Washington. Since sharing is caring here are a few of my FYI's: ~The entire hike (up & down) took us about 2 hours total & this included us stopping multiple times along the trail, to take in the beautiful scenery, take pictures, & catch our breath a few times. :)) We went in early September & the weather was just perfect! ~There is a restroom onsite for both men & women at the base of the trail. It was very clean & well stocked w/ toilet paper..both which were appreciated for sure. :)) ~There are picnic tables at the base of Beacon Rock. ~There are rails going up the entire way on Beacon Rock & I did read in some of the other reviews that stated, it was a "stroller friendly" hike & IMO, I would say that "stroller friendly" is not entirely accurate. The climb up Beacon Rock is going to get your heart pumping & the trail itself isn't super smooth so pushing a stroller straight up will be a challenge in some spots since the ground isn't even in some spots. I wanted to mention that the very top of Beacon Rock isn't a large area & can feel crowded if there are other people w/ you at the top. When my hubby & I finally made it to the top, there were 3 people already there & there just wasn't a lot of space for us to move around & still keep a safe distance between us & them for COVID precautions. BUT there is a great little spot right BEFORE the very top of Beacon Rock for you to stop & take pictures or to sit down & hydrate yourself. IMO, I think this little spot is a better scenic back drop for pictures than the very top of Beacon Rock because it has a huge rock to sit on & the stairs going to the very top is right next to that huge rock. I'm so glad I added Beacon Rock to our vacation itinerary because it really was perfect! Till next time Beacon Rock! ~Rebecca out

    Kim R.

    I've been wanting to hit this trail for a while, but every time we've stopped by it's been too packed...or too windy. But I finally got to go last weekend, Sunday morn about 10. Both lots were filling up, but we were determined! Side note: there is a bathroom and picnic tables at the head. The start of the trail at the base is great, with lovely massive boulders and trees in the shade of the massive rock. From there, it's zig zag zig zag zig....up to the top, repeat back down. Even with a lot of people on the path, it's wide enough to pass without trouble. The path itself has both rocky uneven footing and flat boards. It's essentially a 1 1/2 mile-long viewpoint of the gorge, fabulous. Pretty easy pitch and footing for most any individual, just watch your step. The top of the rock viewpoint is a relatively small area, and with a group there opting to cop-a-squat and grab a snack, we had to squeeze by to enjoy the sites. But really the journey up and down is what it's all about anyway...and it's a fun journey. I really loved this trail. So incredibly unique, it's really a work of art both in construction and views.

    View from highway
    Michelle R.

    Amazing!! Views are a big payoff! A must see!! I'm not an avid hiker and was expecting this hike to really work the legs. It was actually easier than I thought, easy to navigate and very safe. It took us about 40 min to get to the top, stopping to take photos at almost every turn. The views were that great! The slope was gradual, both up & back down. It wasn't too busy, going on a weekday around 11 am. I would recommend this hike to anyone, including families with kids, and really any age at all!

    View halfway up Beacon Rock
    Jackie M.

    This park is fantastic. There are many hiking options. Hamilton Mt. is a challenge, but the view are amazing! Most recently, my family hiked Beacon Rock. It's an easy hike if you're in decent shape. My four year old, who has hiking experience, did the whole thing on her own. After hiking, we crossed into the the part of the park with picnic area and we were happy to find that they have a play structure. However, the structure has been there since I was a small child, so it was really outdated - I'm old.

    Mark N.

    Over 5,000 acre park. Great views of the Columbia River Gorge even on a rainy day. The Beacon Rock Trail climbs nearly 900 ft with 50+ switchbacks. We didn't go all the way up because of rain and clouds, but made it about 1/3 of the way up to see the Columbia River Gorge, Bonneville Dam, and Pierce Wildlife Refuge. I would call the trail a moderate hike, especially when wet. To the west of the rock itself is a campground and picnic area. There is about 8 miles of trails up there, a decent amount of parking, and bathroom facilities. Check the website for updated camping fees by season. Note the website has been updated and is here https://parks.state.wa.us/474/Beacon-Rock

    Michael G.

    Beacon Rock State Park pretty much epitomizes why I'm contemplating moving to the area. Lush, green and beautiful, you feel so connected to nature and it really motivates you to get your steps in. Parking is super easy, when I went, it wasn't busy at all. And then the start of the trail is right there. The hike up the mountain is super easy and perfect for beginners. It's also dog friendly. My friends' dog seemed to enjoy the scenery and exercise as much as I did. Definitely check it out if you're in the area.

    Andrea O.

    Nice little family friendly trail on the Columbia River. From the bottom it looks more challenging than it actually is, the trail is well maintained, not too steep and surprisingly easy to climb. The three 10 yrs old in our party had a blast, despite the windy conditions. The sun helped a bit to be honest. On the way up there are many opportunities for great pictures and the view at the top is really stunning. If you're looking for a long trail to spend the morning, this is not it, it goes by quite fast. I think we did it in 40 mins or so, all the way up and back. I liked the fact that the parking had a parking machine on which you could buy a daily or yearly state park pass. Highly recommended if you're in the area and want an easy 1hr family friendly trail.

    Margaret P.

    Due to the fires that happened along the Columbia River Gorge in 2017, a lot of the sights that we wanted to see were actually closed until further notice. With time to spare, we wanted to make sure we saw as many sites as possible. We asked around and was recommended to come to Beacon Rock State Park across the river in the state of Washington. From Multnomah Falls, it was about a 45-minute drive to crossover and get to this location. We crossed over via the Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks), which had a $2 toll fee. Once we arrived at the site, we had to pay a parking fee, which I believe was $10. They do accept credit card here, which was great! There's a little parking meter by the parking area to pay with a card. The hike itself was totally doable! We got up to the top of the rock in about 45 minutes. They did a great job of making it very easy for people to walk on the trail. We went on a rather warm day, so the hike was a bit tiring for me, as the sun was beaming on us. Although this trailhead didn't have a rewarding waterfall at the end, it did provide some awesome views of the Columbia River Gorge. A recommended stop if you are visiting the PNW!

    Beacon Rock in the distance

    The views at the top are amazing! Easy to get to and a beautiful drive as well along the Columbia river.

    View from about 1/2 way up the rock
    Melissa E.

    This is a great day trip from Portland and surrounding areas. It is a beautiful scenic drive. It is $10 a day for the entrance fee per vehicle, which you pay through an app. There used to be a drop box but that is not gone. The parking can be limited so know the later in the morning you go, the busier it will get. If you want to avoid a lot of people I would recommend going during the week and avoiding the weekend. There is a restroom at the base of the walk for convenience. There are 2 signs for paths, the one for the Beacon Rock trail is around the right side of the parking lot. The other path takes you around the base of the rock but not up. I will be honest and say the first time we went up Beacon Rock, I only made it 1/2 way up. It was crowded and a hot day and I just wasn't prepared. The second time it was cooler (March) and we went during the week and we saw less than 20 people. It took about an hour round trip. Because it is nearly 900 feet up the rock, it can be quite gusty, and in some places there is no break or barrier from the wind. There are some natural stopping spots but there are also very narrow areas and it can be a tight squeeze when there is traffic is going both ways. The walk is created by switchbacks that include a metal guardrail for the majority of the path. I would rate the climb moderate as it is all uphill going to the top. The path is well maintained and it did not feel unsafe, although we stayed on the path and did not venture off. Enjoy!!

    About half-way, looking down at a cool railing spot
    Jone V.

    As intimidating as Beacon Rock sounds (about 50 floors to climb before you hit the top, around 860 feet), it is quite doable. I cannot pride myself on being a runner anymore, yet I find this walking gently back and forth on hairpin turns of the path add to your enjoyment of the views. There are plenty of places to stop, which allow you to savor the time spent outside. The only thing I did wonder about is whether those afraid of heights would really enjoy this; but my companion on the first trip to Beacon Rock assured me he was able to take it all in and the rails were very helpful. The views absolutely make this place. On the other side of the river is Oregon (my heart and love) and you can enjoy its many splendored beauty from the Washington side. How fun! I keep wondering if that is Bridal Veil Falls I see. I am not an outdoors expert but I simply push my be-in-the-nature-moment button to soak it all in and add it to the memory banks. My older dog Gnof, 13-year old Irish terrier, made the trip before. I had to carry him up the final set of larger stairs. Be forewarned with larger dogs; those last few to the top are a bit big. I have been meaning to write about this place, and I reserve that privilege for when I visit somewhere at least twice. This happened the other day, and I made the coolest picture, see below. Definitely recommend going here to grab a peak at gorgeous Oregon from the other side.

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    Fairly easy hike up the rock, fantastic views. Dog friendly and totally worth an annual parking park pass if you do more than 3 hikes a year

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Beacon Rock State Park

    Are there picnic tables at the top of Beacon Rock? Does it get too windy for picnics?

    No tables. No flat surfaces. Smaller and narrower area since everyone wants to see the top.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Beacon Rock State Park

    From the top, we were greeted by those gusty gales and a 360 degree view of the Columbia River Gorge.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Merrill Lake Campground - Merrill Lake from canoe

    Merrill Lake Campground

    3.8(5 reviews)
    35.3 mi

    Merrill Lake Campground is a pretty awesome spot. Awesome enough that I honestly hemmed and hawed…read moreover whether to even add it to Yelp. Although my better Yelp humanitarian judgment has won out here, I still hope you read this, enjoy it, and camp somewhere else. Why? This little campground only has about 9 sites. It's free but you need a discovery pass. There is a camp host and there are surprisingly clean pit toilets on-site, but no potable water. The sites fill up fast in the summer time, but have a 3-day limit that's enforced by the friendly but vigilant camp host. I don't want it to fill up even faster now that I'm sharing this, since I do plan to hit this spot at least one more time before summer is over. There are no reservations (first-come, first-served) and the campsites are designed to work for larger groups - some of them could easily fit 7-10 tents. Each site is spaced decently well away from the others, and offers a picnic table, fire ring and places to pitch. The sites don't really offer views of the lake, they're set back in the trees, but there's plenty of shade Not too dusty, but some sites are heavy with gravel. While it's car camping, you don't drive right in to your site but park in a common lot, then walk in (the farthest you'll have to walk is about 50 yards). So no car noise up close to your site. This little campground sits just by Merrill Lake, a nice smaller lake that does not (thankfully) allow motorized boats and fishing is restricted to fly only, catch + release. For these reasons the water is calmer, cleaner, and dotted with fly fishermen and specific times of the day. At the mid-July mark the lake was warm and clear... perfect for swimming and canoeing. There are some excellent trout holes around the edges of the lake, however I'm not a fly fisherman and don't believe in torturing anything I'm not able to then eat (so catch + release is not for me). However I can see how this would be an attractive spot for a fly fisherman. This campsite is a great place to get away from PDX. Only about 1h 35m in no traffic, and the drive (especially if you come up the 503) is a nice one. Very pastoral, windy road. Get out of your house this summer and sleep under the stars. Just do it at some other campsite since this one is mine.

    We stayed for two nights-three days last weekend for my niece's birthday. We usually stay at a…read morecampsite at Lake Berryessa in California, but most of my family now lives in Vancouver so we opted for somewhere near there. Plus, the lakes in California don't even amount to the lakes in Washington/Oregon. My parents went to Merrill Lake Campground on Thursday to secure us a spot which was first come first serve. They managed to get a campsite (#4) that had a direct path to the lake (not the day use where most of the guests would walk to)! It was really big, the only downside was the hill which isn't ideal with little kiddos. Also, that we couldn't have a campfire due to Washington's high alert for fires. It just wasn't the same. You do need a discovery pass which we got at a store that was twelve minutes from the campsite- Lakeside Deli. It was $11 for a day use. The scenery was amazing. It wasn't hot at all where the campsite was. It was surrounded by trees. The water was so clear and clean. The weather was perfect once we made it out of the campsite, through the trail, and to shore. Oh god, and the drive. The drive up the mountain was the scariest I've ever seen. It was beautiful, but so scary. It was a great stay (for free at that!). I recommend this lake!

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    Merrill Lake Campground - Merrill Lake taken from island

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    Merrill Lake taken from island

    Viento State Park

    Viento State Park

    2.9(28 reviews)
    17.8 mi

    My main great news to share is that this is an amazing hub for a bike adventure in the Gorge for a…read moreday pass. While driving down 84 East, it never seems clear to me on where exactly to stop and park and enjoy the parallel bike path. I finally poked around and found that Viento has ample parking, $7 parking day pass for residents and $9 for out of state (bring cash for the easiest way), and allows you to immediately connect to the pathed path - glorious views and an unbeatable bike lane that Oregon has created for us.

    Yes, the train is loud. Yes, the train sounds its horn…read moreevery time it passes. Yes, it passes RIGHT NEXT TO THE CAMPGROUND. Yes, it's next to the interstate and the traffic can be heard in the campground. That's all noted in the campground info and can be seen on any map when searching for campground. It's also a very nice, wooded, campground, next to the Columbia River. There are only a few large spaces to accommodate a larger RV but there are several small to medium spaces. We've always been able to find a spot for our midsize RV that also accommodates our slide. Tents are of course welcome as well. The water hook up pressure is good. The power is easily accessible and dependable. There is a picnic table and fire pit at every site. Check local burn restriction before camping. The Columbia Gorge closes open fire burning at different times through the year depending on the weather and fire conditions. Sometimes it's posted on the campground page if it's open or not. Depending on the size of your RV you may want to bring along a small hand saw in case you need to trim a branch or two off of the trees in close proximity. It's a short drive into Cascade Locks and Hood River. Theres tons of recreation near by. Everything from shopping & dining to fishing and hiking. If you can tolerate the train and highway noise and enjoy the scenery you'll be just fine here.

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    Viento State Park
    Viento State Park
    Viento State Park

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    Beacon Rock State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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