Beacon Rock
Beacon Rock
5
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A mile-long walking trail takes you to the peak of this 800-foot geological structure formed from an ancient volcano, and rewards you with a spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
105 reviews
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85
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15
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Paul N
Forbes, Australia70 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Visited Beacon Rock with Oregon locals who had recommended the hike. It took us about 30 mins to make the climb, but it was well worth the effort. Some great views of Columbia Gorge and its waterfalls. The walk is uneven and steep and can be wet in winter. Combine this with a drive through the waterfalls on the Oregon side and it makes for a great day out.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lifeisverygood2
Gilbert, AZ615 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Note - we didn't realize that you needed a "pass" in order to park and hike. Luckily there were forms we could fill out and leave cash ($10) in an envelope and put it in a secure box provided at the base of the rock. Or you could do a request online, too - but you would need to do that beforehand so you could print out the receipt and leave it on the dashboard of your vehicle.
There were really clean bathrooms at the foot of the rock also. Parking was plentiful the day we were there; but it is somewhat limited in the immediate area.
This is an excellent hike and we were lucky to come on the perfect day. It took us just a little over an hour to hike to the top and 45 minutes to come back down. The day we went it was not crowded at all. When we got to the top there was a family of four there along with another couple. I wouldn't want to be there on a busy day because at the top there's not much room. There are beautiful views all along the path.
It's not a hard hike, it's just steady walking up hill the entire way. There's not much shade and there are just little areas where you can step aside if you want to let the people behind you go ahead. It's pretty much single file going up and down and it's not hard passing those coming down the hill when you're going up or visa versa.
There were really clean bathrooms at the foot of the rock also. Parking was plentiful the day we were there; but it is somewhat limited in the immediate area.
This is an excellent hike and we were lucky to come on the perfect day. It took us just a little over an hour to hike to the top and 45 minutes to come back down. The day we went it was not crowded at all. When we got to the top there was a family of four there along with another couple. I wouldn't want to be there on a busy day because at the top there's not much room. There are beautiful views all along the path.
It's not a hard hike, it's just steady walking up hill the entire way. There's not much shade and there are just little areas where you can step aside if you want to let the people behind you go ahead. It's pretty much single file going up and down and it's not hard passing those coming down the hill when you're going up or visa versa.
Written September 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigator25160
Seattle, Wa1 contribution
The trail up the rock takes about 25 minutes to hike. Great views of the Columbia! Its right off H'way 14 and worth the quick stop. Rails line the trail at parts, easy climb.
I woul be careful with children. The rails are too big to prevent a child from falling through. If you have hyper grammer school kids, best to watch them closely up this rock.
I woul be careful with children. The rails are too big to prevent a child from falling through. If you have hyper grammer school kids, best to watch them closely up this rock.
Written July 25, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve F
Wollongong, Australia153 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
This is a fun little walk where you get to climb the core of an old volcano. It is pretty straightforward in that it's about 0.9mi up then back the way you came via a series of switchbacks that are either carved into the rock or walkways. There are handrails all the way so it's quite safe and easy. You get some nice views of the river and gorge from various locations as you climb. It took me less than an hour to do the whole thing so it was a nice stop as I went along the gorge.
A couple of things to know, this requires the Washington State Discover Pass which you can get from a pay machine at the parking lot at the base of the rock and there is also a gate near the bottom that is closed from dusk to 8AM.
A couple of things to know, this requires the Washington State Discover Pass which you can get from a pay machine at the parking lot at the base of the rock and there is also a gate near the bottom that is closed from dusk to 8AM.
Written July 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack B
Ronald, WA1,308 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
Start of trail is located just West of the restrooms on the south side of State Route 14 between Skamania and North Bonnevile.
Hike is less that a mile up but is pretty much all switchbacks the entire way up. Thankfully it is an easy grade, easier than climbing stairs, and there are handrails the entire way up so if even if you suffer vertigo (as I do) the climb is doable. As you climb you can ponder the floods that created the Columbia Gorge and this edifice. Once you make it to the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.
I have hiked 10+ hikes with views of the Columbia Gorge, most offer better views, but none are as easy as this one is. Definitely worth the stop.
Note that this is often closed due to weather conditions, it took me a couple of tries to hike this as it had been closed.
I hiked this on a Wednesday morning at 9am and had the entire place to myself, I suspect that it gets a Lot busier on the weekends so plan accordingly.
Make sure you bring a camera - you are guaranteed some spectacular pictures! Binoculars would be nice as well, but not a must-have.
If you have more time, cross the road to the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, there are some great hikes out of there, or swing down to the Beacon Rock State Park and have a picnic on the river.
Hike is less that a mile up but is pretty much all switchbacks the entire way up. Thankfully it is an easy grade, easier than climbing stairs, and there are handrails the entire way up so if even if you suffer vertigo (as I do) the climb is doable. As you climb you can ponder the floods that created the Columbia Gorge and this edifice. Once you make it to the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.
I have hiked 10+ hikes with views of the Columbia Gorge, most offer better views, but none are as easy as this one is. Definitely worth the stop.
Note that this is often closed due to weather conditions, it took me a couple of tries to hike this as it had been closed.
I hiked this on a Wednesday morning at 9am and had the entire place to myself, I suspect that it gets a Lot busier on the weekends so plan accordingly.
Make sure you bring a camera - you are guaranteed some spectacular pictures! Binoculars would be nice as well, but not a must-have.
If you have more time, cross the road to the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, there are some great hikes out of there, or swing down to the Beacon Rock State Park and have a picnic on the river.
Written June 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Celeste T
Oroville, WA37 contributions
Dec 2019
My wife and I love taking short hikes (usually under 4 hours). We've hiked in National Parks, Germany, Austria, Romania and of course, many places in Washington & Oregon (our homeland). Asking which hike is best is like asking which child you like the best. So instead of saying this is our favorite short hike, I will say this is in the top 10 of our hikes, and in hikes under an hour long, this might be in the top three.
We have probably been up it a dozen times over the years, during different seasons, And even in low cloud conditions where you can't see 10 feet in front of you, this hike continues to "entertain" us with it's switch backs and bridges.
We have probably been up it a dozen times over the years, during different seasons, And even in low cloud conditions where you can't see 10 feet in front of you, this hike continues to "entertain" us with it's switch backs and bridges.
Written December 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allen R
Depoe Bay, OR104 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
It's been decades since I last made the trip up Beacon Rock. With a few extra years added (as well as more than a few pounds) i wasn't sure I could tackle the trip to the top, but, with a grand-nephew along, I had to try. The Columbia Gorge is a scene wonder and the top of Beacon Rock is one of the best views around. Plus, it isn't as full as most viewing spots, maybe because it's about a mile walk, all uphill.
But the path is well maintained and, when you see youngsters coming down, it can't be all that hard. I will admit that it was a test of me putting one foot in front of the other and there were times I really wished I brought that bottle of water, but we made it and loved the view. Even had some very friendly squirrels at the top that came right up to us, touching our legs, like they were asking for treats.
And the trip down is soooo enjoyable. You feel light and carefree and encourage people along the way. When it was all over I said, "If I did this climb a couple times a week, I would be in great shape." Hmm. Have to think about that, maybe over a cold beer at the Beacon Rock Cafe.
But the path is well maintained and, when you see youngsters coming down, it can't be all that hard. I will admit that it was a test of me putting one foot in front of the other and there were times I really wished I brought that bottle of water, but we made it and loved the view. Even had some very friendly squirrels at the top that came right up to us, touching our legs, like they were asking for treats.
And the trip down is soooo enjoyable. You feel light and carefree and encourage people along the way. When it was all over I said, "If I did this climb a couple times a week, I would be in great shape." Hmm. Have to think about that, maybe over a cold beer at the Beacon Rock Cafe.
Written July 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patti L
Vancouver, WA27 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
this rock rocks. you can climb it in an hour or so one way...then gawk at the fabulous view of the Gorge, hear the trains,and see boats below. You are like a bird up there. The path is easy to do but no running recommended, its a long drop.. A windy day is not as fun.
Written March 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theresa A
Spokane, WA589 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
First, I want you to know that you will need a Discovery Pass ($10 available at the ranger station across the street from the park, or any Bi-Mart store, or online if you are willing to plan ahead). The rangers do check for this pass so don't make the mistake of thinking you can get by without it!
Okay, now back to the park! The entrance to the park itself is just west of Beacon Rock. Just follow the signs to the boat ramp. There are picnic tables, a place to swim, docks to pull up to (note: the water is super shallow right now so I would recommend jet skiis or kayaks right now), bathrooms and a walking trail.
To climb Beacon Rock, I would suggest you park right in front of it and follow the signs to the hiking trail. There is also a rock climbing area right there.
The walk to the top is really not all that difficult as the trail itself has guardrails all the way to the top. It can be slippery when wet so be wary. There are approximately 52 switchbacks and some 30 bridges to traverse to get to the top but I promise the climb is worth it for the view! I strongly recommend keeping kids with you at all times as the guard rail is just that a rail with nothing to keep them from falling. Having said that, dogs are allowed but should be kep't on leash, not only for their safety but the safety of others. This 'trail' is used by many on a daily basis. If you are afraid of heights then maybe think twice about this hike and take in 'the rock' from the park side down below :) It should take you about an hour or two.
Okay, now back to the park! The entrance to the park itself is just west of Beacon Rock. Just follow the signs to the boat ramp. There are picnic tables, a place to swim, docks to pull up to (note: the water is super shallow right now so I would recommend jet skiis or kayaks right now), bathrooms and a walking trail.
To climb Beacon Rock, I would suggest you park right in front of it and follow the signs to the hiking trail. There is also a rock climbing area right there.
The walk to the top is really not all that difficult as the trail itself has guardrails all the way to the top. It can be slippery when wet so be wary. There are approximately 52 switchbacks and some 30 bridges to traverse to get to the top but I promise the climb is worth it for the view! I strongly recommend keeping kids with you at all times as the guard rail is just that a rail with nothing to keep them from falling. Having said that, dogs are allowed but should be kep't on leash, not only for their safety but the safety of others. This 'trail' is used by many on a daily basis. If you are afraid of heights then maybe think twice about this hike and take in 'the rock' from the park side down below :) It should take you about an hour or two.
Written August 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
Louisville, KY129 contributions
Sep 2010
The Beacon Rock originally named by L/Clark on their expedition to the Pacific, is the core of an ancient volcano. The trail up the rock takes about 25 minutes to hike. The views of the Columbia Gorge are fantastic! It’s right off Hwy 14 and worth the quick stop (7W of Bridge of the Gods).
Wear comfortable shoes, and don't go to fast, its a serpentine trail on gravel, wood planks, rocks, bridges. Bring a good working camera, and be careful. You will not regret this hike, but may be a little sore the next day.
Wear comfortable shoes, and don't go to fast, its a serpentine trail on gravel, wood planks, rocks, bridges. Bring a good working camera, and be careful. You will not regret this hike, but may be a little sore the next day.
Written February 13, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long does it take to hike up/down?
Written June 17, 2015
We completed the round trip trek in about an hour with lots of stops for photos.
Written July 21, 2018
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