The Beacon Rock trail, found inside Beacon Rock State Park, is a only a mile long but charges straight up a 850 foot chunk of rock overlooking the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. Up the backside of Beacon Rock is a staircase-like trail providing you a short but challenging set of switchbacks to the top. With views the entire hike up you can stop when you need to and snap a selfie or two of the valley and river below.
If you choose to climb it up the front face you'd better be an experienced technical climber, but yes, there are sport climbing routes open for those seeking to avoid the switchbacks and would rather just rope up and rock climb straight up the face.
There is access to base of this trail and State Park from the Hamilton Mountain saddle for cyclists and horseback riders. Boaters cruising up the Columbia River can also take advantage of the views of Beacon Rock. The park is so close to Portland and Vancouver it makes for a very popular destination for visitors from around the world. There is over 4,400 acres open for exploring inside the park and camping is open year round offering a stunning experience right in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Beacon Rock itself is actually the core of an ancient volcano. The park includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River and more than 20 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. Plenty of room for friends and families to stretch their legs.
You'll need your Discover Pass to park for day use and there is an automated pay station for those looking to camp or purchase their Discover Pass on site.
No matter what activities you choose at Beacon Rock, you will be awed by this special place and its stunning surroundings.
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