In Time for Summer: Beacon Rock Reopens

Closed since February due to damage from a major storm, the Beacon Rock State Park Trail was recently reopened to hikers on May 14th, just in time for summer hiking.

Beacon Rock gives an unparalleled view of the Columbia River Gorge. Hikers can now enjoy the mild, albeit steep, walk up the trail along with the rich history of the Gorge.

Beacon Rock, from the bottom of the trail. Photo by Haley Childers.

About Beacon Rock

The historic rock is the remains of the core of an ancient volcano, and was rumored to have been bought in 1915 for only $1.

Beacon Rock is truly a Gorge icon, not to be missed! It is an easy, straight-forward climb with wonderful views in all directions from the top.

Two miles round trip from the base of the Rock to the top and back down; 600′ of elevation. The climb can be done year round, but use caution when conditions are unusually cold, wet, icy or windy. The grade on the trail is gradual with railings all the way up across 17 bridges and 54 switchbacks.

Beacon Rock State Park is located in Washington State, 35 miles east of Vancouver, Washington. The park is a 4,650-acre year-round camping park, which includes 9,500 feet of Columbia River freshwater shoreline. Henry J. Biddle purchased the rock in order to build a trail to the top. The trail was built, and in 1935 his heirs turned the rock over to the state for use as a park. Additional development was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Elevations: The River at this point is about 15′ above sea level. The trailhead is at 250′ and the top of the Rock is at 848′.

For more information, check out the Beacon Rock Climbing Association on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/BeaconRockClimbingAssociation/

Article and photos by Haley Childers.

Photo by Haley Childers.