Hamilton Mountain Loop - Adventure Trainer
Need a workout? Need a workout with awesome views? The Mount Hamilton Loop is the trail for you. Gaining over 2,500 feet of total elevation, this hike is an excellent trainer for bigger summit objectives. In fact, many locals use this loop to build endurance for big Cascade climbs. But this hike also yields some of the finest views in the Columbia Gorge, kicking off with the misty spectacle of Hardy Falls and Pool of the Winds, followed by a steep, thrilling push through basalt cliffs with sweeping views over Beacon Rock and the Columbia Gorge.
Game on? Read on!
Trail Stats
- Distance: Approximately 8.3 miles
- Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,100 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult with substantial climbing
- Duration: 3 - 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 15 and over.
- Dog Friendliness: Dogs allowed, but must remain on leash.
Trail Description:
Starting Out & Cascading Falls
From the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, your climb begins in earnest as you ascend the steep trail past the Bonneville Power lines and up into the forest. Around 1.0 miles in, the trail crosses Hardy Creek and an excellent cluster of water features:
Hardy Falls: Take the short side trail to the overlook for a view down into the canyon. Be mindful of the steep drop-offs down this side trail.
Rodney Falls & Pool of the Winds: Just beyond Hardy Falls, a footbridge crosses over the lower pools of Rodney Falls. Rodney Falls is most spectacular in the winter and early spring, but is always a welcome break spot after the initial climb. Don't miss the short spur trail leading up to Pool of the Winds—where Rodney Falls has carved out a dramatic chamber within the rocky basalt.
Just past the waterfalls, at roughly 1.2 miles, you will pass the junction with the Hardy Creek Trail. Stay on the Hamilton Mountain Trail (on the right) to continue. You'll return to this junction via the Hardy Creek Trail later in the hike.
The Basalt Cliffs & Summit Push
Leaving the falls, the steep trail climbs even steeper as you begin climbing through the basalt cliffs of Little Hamilton Mountain, a rugged lower promontory to Hamilton's true summit. Trail stairs and tight switchbacks help you navigate the cliffs. The top of Little Hamilton offers breathtaking, sweeping views over the Columbia River and Beacon Rock. Extra care should be taken around the highly exposed cliffs in this area.
After taking in the views at Little Hamilton Mountain, continue pushing upward through the trees toward the main summit block. The trail steadily climbs another mile up to the true summit of Hamilton Mountain (elevation 2,438 feet). Take a break and celebrate—you've completed the main climbing portion of the hike!
The Ridge, Saddle, & Northern Descent
Many people turn around at the summit, returning to the trailhead along the route just described. This option is completely valid, considering the substantial climb and the wonderful features along the way. However, hikers who have an additional hour and a half can explore the "loop" option that, while about two and a half miles longer, offers additional views at a saddle and more relaxed return trip through the shady forest along Hardy Creek.
For the loop, continue following the main trail north along the summit ridge for roughly three-quarters of a mile (the trail will drop down to the west side of the ridge for a short distance before the saddle). You will arrive at an expansive saddle with wide-open, panoramic views stretching toward Table Mountain, the Cascade peaks, and the Bonneville Dam below.
From the northern end of the saddle, follow the trail signs pointing toward the campground to begin your descent. Just a few hundred feet beyond the saddle, watch for the junction signed for Don's Cutoff.
Returning via Don's Cutoff & Hardy Creek
Turn onto the Don's Cutoff Trail, which offers a softer, knee-friendly alternative to the steeper Hamilton Mountain Trail. This quiet path meanders down through a tranquil, heavily forested section of the park before intersecting the Upper Hardy Creek Trail. At the bottom of Dons Cutoff, turn left (south) onto the Upper Hardy Creek Trail. Follow this trail as it winds downhill, passing a backcountry toilet and briefly merging with the Equestrian Trail. Watch for the Hardy Creek Trail junction right where the Equestrian Trail crosses over Hardy Creek. Follow the Hardy Creek Trail as it traces the creek back to the main Hamilton Mountain Trail junction near the waterfall basin.
From the waterfall area, retrace your initial steps down the final leg of the trail to return to the trailhead parking lot.
Recommended Gear
In Winter and Early Spring, mud and snow may be present along the trail.
Driving Directions
From Vancouver, WA (West)
- Drive East on WA-14 / Lewis and Clark Highway for approximately 35 miles.
- Near Milepost 35, look for the prominent landmark of Beacon Rock rising on the right (river side).
- Turn left off WA-14 onto Kueffler Road (directly across from the Beacon Rock parking lot), following the signs toward the Main Campground and Hamilton Mountain Trailhead.
- Continue up Kueffler Road for about 0.3 miles to the main parking area for the Mount Hamilton Trailhead near the upper campground.
From Stevenson, WA (East)
- Drive West on WA-14 W / Lewis and Clark Highway for approximately 10 miles.
- Near Milepost 35, turn right onto Kueffler Road (located directly across WA-14 from the Beacon Rock monolith parking area).
- Follow Kueffler Road uphill for roughly 0.3 miles to the Mount Hamilton Trailhead parking lot at the main campground area.
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, day passes cost $10.
More Information:
Washington State Parks | Beacon Rock State Park – Real-time updates, trail conditions, alerts, fees and restrictions.