- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 2 miles (out and back)
- Trail Quality: Excellent
- Location: 45 Min East of Vancouver, WA (Map)
- Fee: None
- Hours: 8am-dusk
- Hiked: 1/23/10 @ 12:30pm
The view of Beacon Rock from the boat dock.
The Beacon Rock Trail is one of the most unique trails I have ever hiked. It winds around open rock faces, switching back constantly and slowly climbing the giant rock column that juts up from the bottom of Columbia River Gorge. The hike itself is relatively easy and I witnessed young children and a wiener dog make it to the top.
The views from the trail are better than the view from the top, although the trail itself is the most amazing part of the hike. It appears to have been built by a mining town with no regulations whatsoever (See image below).
The trail is concrete or rock in most places with a few wooden bridges, but these paths are built directly into the side of the cliff. Handrails are present for nearly the entire hike. A few sections through forest do not have railings, but they are necessary in many sections.
The park also offers several other trails, seasonal campsites, rock climbing (difficult) and other outdoor opportunities. Find out more information on the Beacon Rock Park website.
The trail gate is part-way up the trail. Closes at Dusk.
A section of the trail on the side of the cliff.