BEACON ROCK STATE PARK is located on Route 14, otherwise known as Evergreen Highway. While the main attraction of Columbia River Gorge is likely to be Multnomah Falls, located across the river on Route 84, the Columbia River Gorge has a multitude of equal and lesser attractions, and these include Rooster Rock, Horsetail Falls, McCord Creek Falls, Wahclella Falls, and associated hiking trails, the tour inside Bonneville Dam, not to mention the occasional micro-brewery. Beacon Rock is 848 feet tall and is made of basalt. Henry Biddle purchased the rock in 1915 and for the next few years constructed a trail with 51 switchbacks, handrails and bridges. The trail is three-quarter miles long to the top, completed in April 1918. I took this switchback trail one drizzly day, and you can see the photo I took of my family in raincoats. I was feeling a little nervous about slipperiness due to the wet bridges, and so we only went about two thirds of the way up. Our week's trip through the northwest corner of Oregon included a hike through the ever-so-astonishing Silver Falls State Park, an hour's drive south of Portland. I am not sure if words do justice to the Columbia River Gorge, unless written by an exceptionally skilled nature-writer, such as Elna Bakker, author of An Island Called California. The following puts Beacon Rock State Park in perspective, as far as nearby locations are concerned. The best way to reach Beacon Rock from Portland, OR, is to drive east to the dam, cross the road that spans the dam, and then drive westwards on Route 14 by about 7.5 miles. Driving east from Portland, one eventually encounters Rooster Rock, then after five more miles, is Multnomah Falls, then about four miles further is Horsetail Falls, and then 3.5 miles further is the dam, where a bridge on top of the dam crosses over to the State of Washington, enabling you to access Route 14. But if you stay on Route 84, and drive 7.5 miles further to the east, you encounter Bridge of the Gods where, if you are lucky, you might encounter Reese Witherspoon and acquire an autograph. read more

Beacon Rock State Park - This shows one of the bridges and a couple of the switchbacks on Beacon Rock, on a drizzly day, circa 2007. - Parks Near Me - Stevenson, Washington

Five star hike up Beacon Rock about a mile, elevation gain of 800 feet, with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. Lot's of switchbacks on the sheer cliff edge with railings to hang onto. Not too difficult. Not too scary. Just amazing! read more

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This turned about to be a really great hike! The views are breathtaking and the climb is pretty decent for an average hiker. The parking lot if pretty big and it wasn't crowded when I hiked which was nice but it was a bit cold. Definately a good hike! read more

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The hike up Beacon Rock is a must do for anyone that loves to hike or photography. The views as you're going up are beautiful and once you make it to the very top it's a breathtaking view of the Columbia River. It's a fairly easy hike with it's total distance being 1.6 miles all incline with an elevation gain of 580 feet. You pretty much zig zag all the way up. Dogs are able to go on this trail and it's also kid friendly. It's a fun hike for the whole family to enjoy. Beacon Rock is a the core of an ancient volcano! How cool is that you're hiking up an ancient Volcano core. At the top of Beacon Rock it can get very windy! Beacon Rock is right off the 84 Freeway making it very easy to get to. Parking was also very easy to find since people don't spend too much time hiking here. It takes about an hour to hike up and down. read more

This is a fairly easy climb if you're in shape. It takes about 30 minutes to get up and 20 to get down. There were kids, dogs, seniors and others flying up this rock. The trail had a handrail on all parts of the trail closest to the side. It took two guys three years during WWI to build this trail. A pass is required to use this and other areas. You can pay with cash or credit card at this location, $10 per day or $30 per year (unsure if yearly available here). They have a restroom at the parking lot which is near the trailhead. If you can't see the restroom you're at the trailhead going down to the park waterfront, not up the rock, which is an easy 1.5 mile out and back also worth hiking. You can also use this trail to start in the park. read more

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What a great opportunity to be out in nature. The established trail is really impressive and must have taken a lot to build. Makes since that there's a parking fee. #carpool It's a pretty short hike. Probably took us 20 min to the top. We went to pool of winds right before doing this. It was a fun and easy day of hiking with beautiful views. read more

Fantastic warm up hike. This year celebrates its 100th year so there's a special stamp up top to mark the occasion. Hike is a steady incline with guard rails. Go early in the day as the sun beats the trail and it can get crowded. read more

Beacon Rock State Park - View from the top! - Parks Near Me - Stevenson, Washington

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Hiking to the top of this made me really sweaty. . . The views are amazing & once you get to the top it's nice & windy. The trail is a zig zag the entire way up, so some folks might have an issue with that. When the leaves change colors its even better. As you look out into the gorge & are able to see the vibrant fall colors. * side note, I encountered one snake on the trail, I almost stepped on it when it came out of its cave in the rock. Yuck. read more

Beacon Rock State Park - Parks Near Me - Stevenson, Washington

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I wrote the following as a trip report for the Hamilton Mountain hike at Beacon Rock State Park, but I think it makes for a decent review of the Park as well. What an awesome place! WOW, what a great hike!! I had been working in the area and wanted to take advantage of the great weather and long daylight hours by getting an evening hike in, and Hamilton Mountain turned out to be an excellent choice. I arrived at the trailhead at about 16:00, and found several other cars there. Once on the trail I encountered perhaps 10 other people, and all of them were heading downhill during my first hour of hiking. I did not see another person for the the next three and a half hours or so that I was on the trail on this fantastic warm and sunny evening-- it was absolutely surreal! The trail is in great shape; no obstacles to speak of. Rodney Falls and the Pool of the Winds were really impressive, and the cool spray from the waterfall was a welcome relief from the sweaty work of hiking up to them. High above the waterfalls, the brilliant wildflowers and amazing views were breathtaking (Or was that the steep uphill climb taking my breath away? Both, probably!). It was quite something to see shining white peak of Mount Hood poke up from above the cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge as I ascended the trail, and then continue to grow larger until I reached the summit. Then, at the summit, BAM: Mount Adams all of a sudden! The bugs were really pretty bad at the summit, and since I was already planning on completing the loop route as described in the "Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge" guidebook, I decided to cut my stay at the top short and continue on to the saddle for a longer break. No views of volcanoes there, but still incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge, the surrounding mountains, and the Bonneville Dam far below. This turned out to be a much better place for a break, too: far fewer bugs. The hike out wasn't as awe-inspiring as the ascent had been, but it was still a really nice walk along a ridge and then down the Hardy Creek Trail. I made it back to the parking lot just before sunset, and mine was the only vehicle left in the lot at that point. Still can't believe I had this incredible mountain (almost) all to myself on such a gorgeous day! I guess it pays to go hiking late in the day on a Tuesday; I'll have to keep that in mind for future trips :-) read more

Amazing views as you hike up Beacon Rock! What about the hike? Considering my nickname is Phobia Phil, (acrophobia, agoraphobia, arachnophobia,trumphobia,) it's not at all scary. The pics make it look like if you make it to the top, they will have to take you down by helicopter. No worries! It's a fun, switchback hike with a metal railing on the side which will ease all your tensions! Go for it! If I can, so can you! (That's what I'm telling my therapist!) lol read more

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Beacon Rock has been a landmark beacon along the Columbia River for centuries. Its current name was bestowed by America's original dynamic duo Lewis and Clark when they stopped nearby on Halloween (Oct. 31) in 1805. For about a hundred years, it was known as Castle Rock thanks to John Jacob Astor, but regained its name of fame as Beacon Rock in 1916. What makes Beacon Rock State Park a quick-hike near Portland is the trail to the top built by the enterprising Henry J. Biddle. A century ago, he bought the monolith, carved the original trail, and marketed it to aspiring tourists. Luckily for us, his heirs donated Beacon Rock to the state of Washington in 1935 so that nowawdays it's a free and well-maintained hike curving along the river side of the tower rock offering fabulous views of the Columbia and Oregon / Washington border. * Bring your Washington State Park Discover pass ($30/year) * Otherwise buy a day pass ($10) on site * Check the website for "Free Days" like 2015: 08/25, 9/26, 11/11 * All trails are open 8:00 a.m. to Dusk * The Beacon Rock Trail is 0.9 miles with 52 switchbacks * It's a sweaty climb until the last curve north * From there the winds blow like a god-sent AC unit * At the summit is a small viewpoint filled with people * The peak elevation is 850' with views of the Gorge for miles * A jacket for the top might be nice * Bring water and wear comfy shoes of course * The park is more than just a rock with 5,100 acres * Just west is the 3/4 mile River to Rock Trail * A long (9,500 foot) shoreline accesses the Columbia River * Hamilton Mountain Trail is a 4-mile hike up a mountain * Rodney Falls, Hardy Falls, Pool of the Winds are about 1.5-mile hikes * Rock climbing on Beacon Rock has become limited over the years * 13 miles of bike and horse trails are also available If you have the Washington State Park Discover Parking Pass there really is no reason to not visit Beacon Rock State Park between the Evergreen Hwy (14) and the Columbia River just 45 minutes from PDX. read more

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$10 parking for the day (cash/credit) unless you have the annual pass ($30). You need sturdy shoes since the ground is so uneven throughout the hike. I wish people would not bring their dogs to this place- the path is so narrow. Not safe for dogs falling off, nor for people risking getting bitten. ‍ When it's sunny, it can get warm. Wear layers. read more

Beacon Rock State Park - Parks Near Me - Stevenson, Washington

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This review is for the rock itself. I have not visited the rest of the park. We went the day after Christmas and there were several hikers there. Depending on when you go, parking can be a challenge, but they have two small lots so if you can't find parking in one, maybe you'll get lucky in the one next to it. If you don't have the Discover Pass, parking is going to cost you $10. Much of the trail has handrails. People bring their dogs, which is annoying because in some spots the trail is narrow. You already have to get out of the way for people headed toward you and dogs on leashes take up more room than squeezing by a person. On this particular day, there was a board missing from one of the footbridges. After seeing that, I held onto the handrail when I crossed every bridge just in case the board beneath my feet gave way. The view at the top is very pretty, but can be windy. There isn't a ton of room at the top and, if it's busy, it may be a little crowded. read more

Beacon Rock State Park - Damaged footbridge - Parks Near Me - Stevenson, Washington

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Beacon Rock is a landmark to locals, and a must-see to visitors of the area. It's been called the second largest rock of it's kind... in the world! The view from the top (and all along the trail) is exquisite! You can see all up & down the Columbia River Gorge. I've hiked the rock multiple times, as it is merely 15 minutes from my house (I know, lucky, huh?). I'd definitely recommend going on a dry day, as the wood & rocks can be slippery when wet, and because the view is diminished by clouds. Bring a camera & water. The hike isn't long in distance, but it's ALL UPHILL! Until you go back down, of course :) This hike might not be good for tiny kids, but maybe those 10 and older would do fine. If the top is congested when you get there, stand back for a few minutes, catch your breath, and wait for a few folks to clear away. You may also want to check out the park below, just west of the rock. Additionally, there's a campground on the north side of Highway 14. If you take the first left as you drive up the hill, there's a covered picnic shelter and an amazing view of the side of Beacon Rock. There's a trailhead for Hamilton Mtn. nearby as well, with beautiful waterfalls. read more

You'll think I'm crazy, but I love hiking this place at night in the winter. Yeah, it's usually pitch dark and slippery from the rain, which can be a treacherous combination. But that's what the handrails and not being a reckless idiot are for! It's well worth the lovely views from the top and the south face. The path is well-maintained, so it's not as sketchy for a night hike as you might think, anyway. Oh, and these conditions guarantee that there will not be crowds, although you might run into me and my hiking partner. Also, partway up there's a gate that is locks after a certain hour, so get in before then (hence doing it in the winter). Now to go back in daylight and see what the places really looks like! read more

I've been jaunting up and down Beacon Rock since I was knee-high to a mayfly (over 20 years) and loved every minute of it. It's not too hard a hike. I'd give it a 3 on a scale of 1-5 for difficulty. The views are fantastic: the Columbia river basin, I-84, highway 14, and the Oregon side in the background. You can see really far up the Gorge as well on a clear day. If you bring powerful binoculars with you, you can see so much more. The best time to go is in the late summer or fall, when the trees are starting to change and the weather's mild. It can get windy at the top sometimes though. Unless you're a geology nut like me, what people might not realize is Beacon Rock isn't really a "rock." Well, it is, but it isn't because it's actually a volcanic "neck" or the inside part of a volcano where the ash and lava comes out during an eruption. The magma inside the volcano hardened up after it stopped erupting, and over time the softer outside of the volcano (likely a cinder cone volcano) eroded away, leaving the harder rock inside. Pretty cool. Devil's Tower in Utah is the same thing. So if you go, remember that you're really hiking up a volcano's skeleton 8^) read more

We've started exploring the Washington side of the Gorge due to many Oregon trails still being closed after the Eagle Creek fire. For more alternatives check out this link https://gorgefriends.org/trails. One highlight is Beacon Rock State Park. There is something here for everyone--picnic areas, boating, fishing, camping, rock climbing, and multi-use hiking trails (hiker, mountain biking, equestrian). The hiking trails range from easy to difficult, and there are about two miles of ADA accessible trails. There is a $10 parking fee, which can be purchased onsite. You can also opt for the $30 annual pass. Passes can also be purchased at the ranger station nearby, and they can answer any of your questions about the park. We only had a few hours, so decided to do the Beacon Rock Trail. The River to Rock Trail is just west of here and would make a really good additional hike (only about 1.5 miles on pretty level ground), but we unfortunately ran out of time. The Beacon Rock Trail is fairly easy. It is only about one mile to the top, but what makes it more challenging is the uphill climb. The trail has about fifty switchbacks, so the climb is gradual. There are also handrails most of the way, so this is a good hike to do with kids. There's not a lot of shade, so I wouldn't want to do this hike on a hot day. It can also get windy, especially at the top. Make sure you bring a camera, because the views are incredible! I wish we had purchased the annual pass, because we will definitely come back here. Next time, we'll bring a picnic and try some of the more challenging trails. read more

Easy hike with amazing views. Great idea for a hike while driving to Portland. It is located about 30 miles east of I-5 just north of Portland. To get there, you drive on 14 going east. The drive itself is scenic and leads to Beacon Rock. When there, you pull off to the right to park. A Discovery Pass is required (can be purchased online or at sellers beforehand or on site) to park your car. There are cool info signs at the base with some information about the rock and its history. The hike itself is about a mile long and generally pretty easy. Some areas are even paved and consists of switchbacks and bridges with railings. The views get better and better as you climb up with plenty of photo opportunities of the Columbia River Gorge and Bonneville Dam. read more

this park is beautiful. lots of campsites (all primitive). clean bathrooms and a shower (¢.50 for 3 min.) water and garbage cans. they don't take reservations for beacon rock. we took a couple of the trails. first to the waterfalls then little beacon rock. got to see a doe on the trails. the views on the trail were amazing read more

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About 2 miles round trip to the top of the Beacon Rock trail. (About an hour drive from Portland) Beautiful views of the Columbia River and lush green forestry about 600 feet below you. I enjoyed the views better on the way up to the top than actually at the very top which surprised me. This is because of the very small standing or crowding space provided at the end of the trail. read more

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It's a fun hike overall. Going up takes a lot longer than going down but that's how it goes. The too of the rock was underwhelming. Would recommend the hike if you're in the area. There's just better hikes to do on the Oregon side of the gorge. read more

I'm newer to the hiking and trail scene, especially in the gorge. I came to Beacon Rock on a recommendation from my parents from a while back, and I couldn't believe my eyes. There was a rock, jutting out of the ground, hundreds of feet tall, next to a river. I couldn't help but thinking... This is important. This means something. Turns out, Beacon Rock makes for a really nice quick day hike. The round trip hike will only take you a couple hours, and it offers amazing views. A 360 panorama of the gorge! I loved the crazy switchback bridges on the way to the top. And when you reach the top, you really feel special. You are important! You do mean something! I searched on the backside of the rock when we descended and found no alien mothership to my great disappointment. This is a great place for kiddos of all shapes and sizes. Littluns can even walk their way to the top with ease. And whether or not you have a close encounter of the first, second, or third kind, you'll still feel as if you've conquered the ENTIRE Columbia Gorge, and that's the next best thing. read more

I read somewhere that this hike is not truly a "hike." Well, no. But yes. I wouldn't categorize it as a walk up. But, you don't really need poles or hiking boots for this one. It's a ton of switchbacks up the rock, and there are a ton of handrails. I'm scared of heights but this one was a-ok with me. It really tripped me out how old it was. I'll let you read the signs and get tripped out, too. I'd say that the views coming up were much more interesting to me, I think because they were sweeping views... the view at the top was somewhat hindered by trees. There is a $10 charge for parking. Steep, just like the rock, I know. But if you do any kind of hiking, just go ahead and get the Discover Pass for the year. It's $30, and you're already 1/3 of the way there. There is a green little ATM-ish kind of kiosk that you can pay in case you're like me and don't carry cash. PS: There are chipmunk friends at the top. And apparently, they enjoy M&Ms more than peanuts or raisins. Sounds like my kind of rodent. read more

I went here on a recommendation from someone...We went at the end of February because it started to get nice and sunny out! It was around 60-64 degrees, a little windy by the road and parking was almost tricky. It was a great hike for my boyfriend and I, good for us to wear off some winter weight without getting totally exhausted. (I have slight asthma too, just bring some water and stop at those viewpoints). Lovely stop points to look out over the gorge towards the Oregon side. Easy hike for to spend an hour or two outside getting some exercise, definitely recommend! read more

Ugh. Would move to Portland for this. The beacon rock trail (that was bought for ONE WHOLE DOLLAR and then built trail for three years by a hero) is the best for introverts-who-enjoy-high-perches overlooking magnificent beauty. I love greenery and magnificence and blue bodies of water. This is it. IT IT IT!!! Tip: - Arrive early (I think the gate opens at 8a?) to avoid the Disneyland crowdedness read more

Fantastic Views and sometimes a long wait to park. what to expect:] -10$ day pass required -believe me, I had seen parking enforcement patrolling, so you had better be payin' -scenic wonderful views on the way up -switch backs, no trail, straight up paved and flat. -get to the top and you will be lucky to have people move so that you can see the view.guess how the way back down goes, right behind everyone that made their way up, narrow pathways, you can easily get stuck behind those just going for a leisurely stroll -Easy climb, not super adventurous and not the most labor intensive for a hike. read more

My husband and I climbed Beacon Rock and the view all the way up was beautiful. I was very impressed with the switchback trails but was surprised that the top wasn't as huge as I expected. My husband is physically fit and it was a simple climb for him. Me? Not so much (physically fit) but it was better than I thought. I would definitely do it again. read more

What an awesome view, it was a fun hike. My wife, 2 year old daughter and I enjoy it very much. It was spirally up lifting to see the view from different angle. Yes it a little scary at first but it was worth it. I will differently recommend you meditate and take it in all in with a few big breath of air. I imagine I am playing a bamboo flute up there as the nature sound and my flute eco against the wind. Carrying alway all my trouble and ground me back to earth. It gave me a sense of serenity and peace feeling up there.. read more

Beacon Rock State Park - My daughter running up to the trail - Parks Near Me - Stevenson, Washington

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I hadn't been here for years and was doing a hike here and Mt. Hamilton. I not only looked in my hiking book, but as well on Portlandhikers.org...and there was no mention of a fee was mentioned. So, I was quite upset to find out about the steep $10 fee!! Most parks in OR are $5 at least. As nice as it was, and Mt. Hamilton...the $10 really upset me. The rock though is beautiful. Just be prepared to pay $10. read more

Wow! That's all I can say. Breath taking views, a nice easy-moderate hike (as long as you don't mind heights) and lots of friendly people. I don't know when I've enjoyed a hike this much. I brought my small kids with me - ages 3 and 5 - and they both did the hike on their own. Of course, I would advice caution as some of the edges are really steep, but if you've got a good grip on a hand, and your kids decide they want to listen to you that day, you'll be fine! The view of the Gorge from several of the scenic stop points and the top of Beacon Rock was just stunning. $10 day use fee and $1 to cross the toll bridge if coming from Oregon. Totally worth the $$! read more

We hiked to the top on a Saturday morning in late December. Pretty decent weather considering. Not a tough hike at all. Great views! Would recommend to anyone. read more

One mile, 52 switchbacks, and 848' of easy ascent, and you're at the top of Beacon Rock, a spectacular viewpoint and geological feature on the Washington side of the Columbia River, about 35 miles east of Vancouver. I don't think it's wheelchair accessible, but the trail is 3 to 6' wide throughout, including the rock and plank switchback section. From the top, you can easily see Bonneville Dam and much further up the Columbia to the east, and probably 10 or 12 miles downriver to the west. Mt. Hamilton is a gorgeous nearby peak with exposed rock faces begging for a zoom camera. The summit of Beacon Rock and 3 or 4 of the river-side switchbacks are perfect for panorama photos of the Columbia River, and/or vertigo-inducing "look down" photos of steep rock and forest. Counting drive time from Portland, Beacon Rock is an easy half-day adventure, which leaves plenty of time for other nearby adventures like the Washougal River and Bonneville Fish Hatchery or Dam tour. The trail is open from 8 a.m. to dusk, and is closed by a solid metal gate placed at a steep spot over a 20 to 30' drop, so unless you're willing to risk your life shimmying around the gate, don't bother with early-morning hours. Also, buy a Washington State Parks day-pass for $10, or get their annual Discovery Pass for $30; both can be acquired with cash or a credit card at the trailhead vending machine, and the lack of either can earn you a ticket... Good for kids? Yes, absolutely. Elders too. Our company at the summit consisted of 8 or 9 little ones with family, a wine-sipping couple, and a half dozen tourists. Ages ranged from 4 to 80. Good for technical rock climbers? Yes, apparently. The northwest face is open for climbing year-round, and the south face sometimes (east face closed as wildlife habitat). Routes are mostly 5.10s and 5.11s with some pitches of up to 400 vertical feet. Expert details at http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/North_America/United_States/Oregon/Portland_Metro_Area/Beacon_Rock/ read more

Beacon Rock State Park - July 6, 2013-- Panorama from the summit of Beacon Rock, looking east toward Bonneville Dam, with Mt. Hamilton on the left. - Parks Near Me - Stevenson, Washington

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Pretty cool to walk/ hike up! Does ask for you to pay $10 parking if you don't have the pass. Amazing views!

This is a very short hike (just under 1 mike, up and back) but It's a fun one if you don't have much time. Also a great hike for visiting friends. I saw a stealer jay last weekend up top. If you see a bird it's a great day, so most days are great days. read more

Ahh. Beacon Rock. Picturesque, well maintained, big parking lot, and crowded. But hey, when nature is this beautiful you have to share it. read more

Enjoyed this hike. Well maintained paths with handrail and excellent view from the top.

Nice morning walk to start your day. 10 dollar fee for parking or 30 for a year pass not bad. that pass can get you to all Washington parks that are listed. great place to take kids and pets on a wonderful walk. it wasn't as pack as it usually it is which was great. Especially with a 6yr old and a 2 month puppy. a lot of great pit stops to take pictures while hiking up the trail. its quick beginner hiking place defiantly recommended for anyone. read more

This is a really nice hike. It's a good workout too! The hike loops around the rock as you go up so there are some spectacular views! Make sure you bundle up if hiking in fall/winter--it was very windy and cold when we went. Also, make sure you wear appropriate shoes..I saw someone wearing flip flops..also, please don't bring your newborn baby on a hike like this, especially when they aren't in a carrier strapped to your body. Now that is just stupid. The trail can be slippery and uneven. Be safe, and enjoy! read more

Fairly easy hike up with rails! I think the views on the way up were more interesting than the top! Tight space once you arrive to the peak. However I did get to meet the resident chipmunk! Slippery when wet so take it easy on your way down. RT hike took less than an hour. Lots of stops for pictures. read more

Man you kidding. What a nice wonderful adventurous short hike that can be done in les than couple hours. Don't rush it. Be sure to chill and enjoy the view along the way. read more