what do i need to know about hiking hamilton mountain in washington

Beacon Rock State Park is once more open, as of 9/18/2017.

Earlier moving to Portland, I was semi-aware of a place people referred to as "The Gorge." I knew that there were hikes in that location, a large river, a few waterfalls, and that the Pacific Crest Trail crossed over said large river at the Bridge of the Gods. However, I've been pleasantly surprised by the sheer number of places to visit in "The Gorge," encompassing not JUST waterfalls (these are in fact quite numerous), but mountain tops with epic views and challenging climbs also as fascinating history. The more I learn about the Columbia River Gorge, the more I'thou in awe that this spectacular wonder is within easy driving distance of my flat.

Note: While my gps runway showed under 6 miles for this trip, my hiking partner'southward clocked in at 6.5. Doing some research, at that place seems to generally be some discrepancy on the exact milage for this trip. However, the consensus seems to put information technology at around half dozen.5 miles.

Case in point: Beacon Rock Land Park on the Washington State Park side of the Columbia River. This was my commencement hike on the Washington side of the Gorge, and I was really excited to exist in a whole unlike state from the 1 I alive in (Californians know what I'k talking near). In fact, the Washington side is pretty much the aforementioned as the Oregon side, with the added bonus that on nice days, Mt. Hood peeks out over the mountains and across the river. Originally named by Lewis and Clark on their trek in 1805, Beacon Rock is a office of an aboriginal volcano, which at present makes upwards a very impressive rock formation on the shores of the Columbia River. While not the destination for this write-up, hikers take the option to hike to the top of this monolith via a 1.eight mile round-trip hike encompassing 52 switchbacks to the top.

For this particular trip, you'll exist heading inland and upwardly to the summit of Hamilton Mountain at two,483 feet in peak, climbing 2,000 anxiety in total. Why climb Hamilton Mountain? Not only are the views astounding throughout the trip, but yous'll besides laissez passer several picturesque waterfalls, something called the Pool of the Winds, and come across dramatic rock formations that would make whatever climber drool.

Starting at the parking lot, you'll find a large "trail" sign next to the informational board. Before long afterwards, you'll see the beginning of the Hamilton Mountain Trail in a cute forest of Douglas Fir copse.

The ascent begins gradually, traveling along a hillside that somewhen opens to expansive views downwards to the river and beyond to Oregon. Passing under several power lines, you lot'll also exist able to look upwardly towards Hamilton Mountain and the ridge below it (yes, you are heading up to the mountain, simply I hope the climb is worth the effort). Equally an aside: this is an fantabulous fall foliage hike, as you'll pass through a woods of changing leaves in a myriad of colors.

At .5 miles, follow the sign for Hamilton Mount and waterfalls. After another half mile, follow the sign for Hardy Falls to the right, heading down a short expanse of stairs to a viewing platform where Hardy Creek and its namesake waterfall are visible through the trees to your left.

Travel support the steps to the trail, and continue onward, over a brusk bridge and eventually to dramatic Rodney Falls, which can exist viewed direct in front from a very close and conveniently placed span over Hardy Creek. As well of interest hither is a brusque trail to your left which travels upward to the Pool of the Winds just above the Rodney Falls, where Hardy Creek drops into a pool within a bowl-like construction, creating an impressive current of air that blasts hikers with cool mist.

Rodney Falls from the bridge, with the Pool of the Winds viewing surface area seen at top

My attempt to photograph the Pool of the Winds while being blasted by cold water on a November day

The trail continues over the bridge, shortly turning into switchbacks steadily heading upward a ridge. From here onward, the trail become steeper as it approaches Hamilton Mountain. At a junction with the Hardy Ridge Trail, continue straight for the most direct approach to the superlative. Later on .7 miles of steady climbing, y'all'll reach a dramatic viewpoint looking down into the Gorge, with hitting rock formations to your left.

Go along forth the ridge, which heads steadily upward at an easy pace with fantastic views. After around .3 miles, the trail over again begins to steepen and switchback again as information technology approaches the summit. Eventually, the trail will attain the pinnacle, with easy views to the eastward looking towards Mt. Adams and Table Mountain (on our trip, nosotros could just see a impressively snowy section of Mt. Adams under the clouds). While we weren't able to discover any specific marking noting Hamilton Mountain (further inquiry indicates that one may exist, or previously existed), we did in fact make it to the top to enjoy a very chilly cakewalk, a few snacks and the amazing view towards the river and of particular interest, the Bonneville Dam (portions of which were declared a National Celebrated Landmark in 1987).

From this signal, you'll head dorsum the way you came, heading down the ridge and towards the parking lot, enjoying spectacular river views looking towards the west. Alternatively, hikers may return via the more gradual Hardy Creek Trail, making a loop that will eventually meet up with the Hamilton Mountain Trail, calculation roughly iii miles to the return trip.

Additional logistics and considerations:

Park information: Beacon Rock State Park provides this semi-useful map, also as this overview of the Hamilton Mountain hike.

Map: Light-green Trails Map, 428S Columbia Gorge West, available at local Portland outdoor retailers.

Conditions: Click hither to see the electric current NOAA weather forecast.

Mud + water on the trail: Waterproof shoes are a skilful option for this hike.

Tags: Beacon Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge, dog-friendly, Hiking, nature, outdoors, Trail Write-Ups, washington, Washington State

Accommodations near Hamilton Mount

Trail Conditions

Very good, well marked and easy to follow, with a small number of steep sections near the height. A few sections may be muddy during wetter times, especially during the winter and leap.

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Camping Info

The chief campground at Beacon Stone Land Park is open seasonally, more often than not starting in April through tardily September. Information technology'south the ONLY gorge campground on the Washington side between Portland and Hood River, and offers cute sites in a forest. Other times of year in that location are two get-go-come first-serve tent sites bachelor at the Park's marina by the river, equally well equally five RV claw-upwards sites at the Woodard Creek Campground besides next to the river.

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How to Go There

From Portland take I-84E. At go out 8, become on I-205N, heading into Washington Country. Right after crossing, take exit 27 towards Camas/Hwy 14 E. After roughly 28 miles, you'll see Beacon Rock Country Park along the primary road. During the summer, proceed past Keuffler Road on your left, to the adjacent left onto a paved route beyond from (the very noticeable) Beacon Rock. Drive a curt ways up the road where you'll enter a paved parking lot (road may be closed in winter). Fee required.

Driving Directions

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Source: https://modernhiker.com/hike/hike-hamilton-mountain/

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