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Beacon Rock State Park, Skamania, WA

Photo: U.S. Geological Survey, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureHistory Buff

Beacon Rock State Park

34841 State Route 14 · Skamania, WA

Why you should go…

Beacon Rock is an 848-foot basalt volcanic plug on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, named by Lewis and Clark in 1805. A trail built by Henry J. Biddle and finished in 1918 climbs it with 51 switchbacks, handrails and bridges to views in every direction. The 4,458-acre park also has Columbia River shoreline, more than 26 miles of roads and trails for hiking, biking and horses, rock climbing, camping and a trail past Hardy and Rodney falls.

  • #state park
  • #hiking
  • #columbia river gorge
  • #rock climbing
  • #waterfalls

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Beacon Rock State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Multnomah Falls

    Free

    Oregon's tallest waterfall, a 620-foot two-tiered cascade just off the Columbia River Gorge highway.

    5.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bike the Gorge

    $50+

    E-bike and mountain bike rentals with guided and self-guided tours to Columbia River Gorge waterfalls.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Cascade Locks

    Free

    Columbia River Gorge town known for the Bridge of the Gods, Bonneville Dam and river tours.

    6.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Cascade Locks Historical Museum

    Free

    A volunteer-run riverside museum on the history of the Columbia Gorge locks, railroads and steamboats.

    6.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Skamania County

    Free

    Washington county on the Columbia River Gorge known for waterfalls, hiking trails and scenic byways near Stevenson.

    7.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Skamania Lodge Zip Line Tour

    $50+

    Guided zip line and aerial adventure course with seven lines and sky bridges above the Columbia River Gorge.

    8.1 mi awayMore like this