A dizzying mile-long switchback trail takes you up 848-foot Beacon Rock, but that's not the only way to a tip-top experience. Rock climbing and hiking to waterfalls are the rage at this park, where there are plenty of vantage points for eagle-eye views. Cyclists and horseback riders also will find trails to the vistas from Hamilton Mountain saddle, and boaters can delight in the majesty of Beacon Rock from the Columbia River. Beacon Rock overlooks a breathtaking section of the Columbia River Gorge, a deep, wide gouge in the earth carved by Ice Age floods. Now, the mighty Columbia rushes down to the ocean in a froth of whitecaps, bisecting Washington and Oregon, with walls of columnar basalt and mountains rising thousands of feet on both sides. The park's proximity to Portland and Vancouver make it popular with locals and visitors from around the world. No matter what activities you choose at Beacon Rock, you will be awed by this special place and its stunning surroundings.
PARK FEATURES
Beacon Rock State Park is a 4,464-acre, year-round camping park located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Beacon Rock itself is the core of an ancient volcano. The park includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River and more than 26 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use.
ADA AMENITIES/FACILITIES
Campground
Hiking trail
Restroom
PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES
There are two kitchen shelters with electricity in the park, plus two sheltered and 53 unsheltered picnic tables.
The lower picnic area kitchen shelter is located at Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, available first come, first served. Water and power are available in the shelter.
The Doetsch day-use kitchen shelter is available by reservation for groups of up to 100 people. Water and power are available in the shelter.
The upper picnic area kitchen shelter is available by reservation for groups of up to 100 people. Water and power are on site.
ACTIVITIES
TRAILS
1 mile of ADA hiking trail
8.2 miles of hiking trails
13 miles of bike trails
13 miles of horse trails
WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
916 feet of dock
916 feet of moorage
Boating
Fishing (freshwater)
Watercraft launch
OTHER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Mountain biking
Rock climbing
Wildlife viewing
BOATING FEATURES
Located in Skamania County on the Columbia River, Beacon Rock offers one boat launch, 916 feet of moorage dock and a boat pumpout.
Launching a boat at a state park requires one of the following:
• An annual launch permit (Natural Investment Permit; or
• An annual Discover Pass and a daily launch permit; or
• A one-day Discover Pass and a daily launch permit.
CAMPSITE INFORMATION
The main campground has 28 standard campsites. It is an older camp in a forested setting suited more for tents than RVs. There are a limited number of sites that accommodate RVs over 20 feet. This campground closes seasonally.
The Woodard Creek Campground has five full-hookup campsites that provide electricity, water, and sewer. The sites have a maximum length of 40 feet. These campsites are open year round.
There are two standard equestrian campsites located at the equestrian trailhead that will accommodate a horse trailer each, a hi-line for horses, livestock water and a CXT vault toilet. There is no potable water and no electricity. Primitive camping fee applies. All campsites are first come, first served.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.