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 Reporter |
Summary: Parking at Beacon Rock State Park requires a Northwest Forest Pass or a $5.00 day use fee payable via the lockbox at the end of the lot. Once you have that out of the way the hike begins climbing moderately into the wooded foothills of Hamilton Mountain and passes through a variety of terrain on the way to Hardy and Rodney Falls. Pause here for a few pictures or sit on the bridge and listen to the water, wildlife, and the winds that seem to blow on most days. As the trail climbs it becomes quite steep on your way to sheer cliffs and spectacular views of the Columbia Gorge. Stay to the right on the “most difficult” marked section of trail that will lead to a plateau overlooking the Columbia River and the Bonneville Dam. There is a variety of plant life on this trail as well, including Sword Ferns, wild rose and snowberry plants as well as mock orange, ocean spray and low bush Oregon grape. This has become one of the more popular hikes in the area, so be on the lookout Trailhead: From Portland OR, I-5 North to WA State Route 14. Travel East to Beacon Rock State Park. Trail Head is located near campground day use area. (Lat:45.63242 Lon:-122.02005) Trail Guides for Hamilton Mountain, Portland Oregon: Hiking the Columbia River Gorge by Russ Schneider (Falcon Guide) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters 360-891-5000 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Maggie on 4/30/2012 Hiked Hamilton Mountain yesterday and was very surprised at how uncrowded it was! We are used to the bumper-to-bumper trail of hikers going up Dog Mountain - so small groups of fellow hikers on Hamilton were appreciated. It is a steep but lovely hike with many incredible views both up and down the Gorge. And there is a perfect spot at the top to enjoy lunch!
Reviewed by AndreyB on 6/23/2011 went hiking here yesterday, it does not suck, take the most difficult route, really good views! dont wear jeans, take a bunch of water, 84 year old grandma would die or have a heart attack on this hike. `referring to the comment below mine. enjoy and have fun! its a workout! 
Reviewed by cole demmert on 5/2/2011 man this hike was just all around terrible my 84 year old grand ma has done wayyyy better than this. do not do this hike you suck
Reviewed by boob on 4/29/2011 this wasnt even good exercise i have taken my infant child on better hikes, this hike just sux 
Reviewed by MS on 4/14/2011 One of the best hikes in the Gorge. Many areas where the views of the Gorge are the best (180 degrees). Waterfalls are very full this time of the year. If you are not interested in going to the top of MT Hamilton there are still plenty of places to enjoy. The only downside are people with dogs who do not respect the lease laws. My personal favorite.
Reviewed by Katie K on 1/17/2011 Great beginning of season hike. We were not prepared for all the rain, unseasonably warm week, snowmelt is rapid. We were all soaked to the bone but dogs were happy and we were all tired. Beautiful sights, in and out of the fog. Found car key fob on trail, looks new, check Lost & Found at Beacon State Park.
Reviewed by jdd on 1/13/2011 We camped at the park and took the trail up from there. If you do that, stop by Little Beacon Rock. The pool of winds is especially cool, and is a fine turning point if you don't have time to do the loop. I've heard that hiking North from the Saddle eventually leads to the PCT. Possibly a good backpacking trip. The views on Hamilton Mountain are fantastic!!
Reviewed by Josh on 12/4/2010 Just got home from a great hike on Hamilton today. Although the wind was blowing a bit near the top the sky cleared for this brisk December day and we got some good pictures and had fun :) Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Skamania County Hiking, Skamania County Trails, Skamania County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
