Rising 848 feet above the Columbia River, Beacon Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Columbia Gorge—the exposed basalt core of an ancient volcano eroded by ice age floods. First-time visitors can expect an engineered marvel: a short but exhilarating 1.8-mile round-trip hike along a narrow path carved right into the vertical rock face. Navigating 52 gentle switchbacks, metal handrails, and wooden catwalks, the trail offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Columbia River Basin that get bigger with every turn.

The path itself is a fascinating piece of Pacific Northwest history. Named by Lewis and Clark in 1805, the Beacon Rock was nearly blasted into railroad ballast in the early 1900s before prominent botanist, geologist, and engineer Henry J. Biddle purchased it in 1915 to preserve it. Between 1915 and 1918, Biddle personally surveyed and built the intricate cliffside trail, fulfilling his dream to construct a path up what many considered an unclimbable monolith. In 1935, his heirs donated the property to the state, turning Biddle's visionary trail into the centerpiece of Beacon Rock State Park today.

Trail Stats

• Distance: Approximately 1.6 miles roundtrip
• Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 580 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate, includes 52 switchbacks
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Best Season: Year-round (extreme weather conditions may be present in the winter and spring)
• Kid Friendliness: Due to substantial climbing, this hike is recommended for children 13 and over.
• Dog Friendliness: Dogs allowed, but must remain on leash.

Trail Description:

The hike begins at the base of Beacon Rock, right off the parking area on Highway 14. The trail starts on a wide, concrete-and-gravel path that briefly winds through a shaded pocket of trees before ascending Beacon Rock's sheer southern face. A graffiti covered, green gate marks the start of your ascent.

Beyond the gate, the impressive trail-building efforts becomes obvious. You'll climb a rapid series of tight switchbacks carved directly to the cliff face. Nearly the entire route is rock, paved or built from wooden catwalks. Metal pipe handrails line the entire trail, providing a layer of security along the shear drop-offs. As you climb, the views open up with Nesmith Point the south and Hamilton Mountain rising to the north, and the might Columbia flowing east to west.

Near the top, the trail wraps around to the eastern face of Beacon Rock, leveling off slightly before a last set up steps to the narrow, treed-in summit. At the top, a sign congratulates you on completing the climb. Enjoy the view feet above the river, with views looking east toward Bonneville Dam and Pierce Island.

Retrace your steps back down the switchbacks to return to the trailhead.

Recommended Gear

In Winter and Early Spring, mud and snow may be present along the trail.

• Durable Shoes or Hiking Boots
• Day Pack
• Binoculars
• Hiking Poles

Driving Directions

From Vancouver, WA (West)

• Drive East on WA-14 / Lewis and Clark Highway for approximately 35 miles.
• Near Milepost 35, turn right into the Beacon Rock State Park main parking area (located directly on the river side of WA-14 at the base of the rock).

From Stevenson WA (East)

• Drive West on WA-14 W / Lewis and Clark Highway for approximately 10 miles.
• Near Milepost 35, turn left into the Beacon Rock State Park main parking area (located directly on the river side of WA-14 at the base of the rock).

Note: A valid Discover Pass is required for parking at Beacon Rock State Park. You can purchase a day pass or annual pass via automated kiosks at the park or online prior to your visit. As of 2026 passes cost $10.

More Information:

Washington State Parks: Beacon Rock State Park – Real-time updates, trail conditions, alerts, fees and restrictions.