Length: 8 miles round
trip
Elevation Change: 2200' gain
Season: Year Round including snowfall
Difficulty: Challenging due to steepness
Permit: Washington State Parks Requires a Permit
GPS: N45 37.9674, W122 1.1838
Latitude: 45.63279
Longitude: -122.01973
Features:
NEW! Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike
An outstanding hike with all the right features such as water falls,
steep cliffy areas, superb views, ridge line hiking, and deep
forested areas, complete with a loop for minimal repeat
scenery.
When Beacon Rock State Park is open, you drive to the
picnic area and park at the Hamilton Mountain trail head. When the
park is closed, leave your car along side the road by Beacon Rock.
The hike begins moderately steep for about a mile then becomes more gentle as
you approach the first of two falls.
Hardy Falls is visible by taking
a short side trip, but Rodney Falls is fully visible as your cross
Hardy Creek on a bridge right at the foot of the falls. At this point
the trail becomes much steeper and for the next 2 plus miles you gain
nearly 1800' in elevation. About 2.5 miles into the hike you come to
a junction where the trail returns via a loop from the back side of
Hamilton Mountain.
If you continue straight ahead, you will come to the
base of the Little Hamilton Mountain. The works its way around to the west
side of the slope and begins a very vigorous climb through a series of
small switchbacks. At about 3 miles you level out on a little saddle between
Little Hamilton and the main Hamilton Mountain. By now your are feasting
on incredible vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and Beacon Rock.
As you
climb higher and higher, you will begin to see more of the mountains of
Oregon to the south of you. Finally, you reach the top of Hamilton, and
at the junction there, take the path to the right to a rest area with a view.
Looking east past Table Mountain at Mt Adams from the summit of Hamilton Mountain
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How to get there:
Beacon Rock State Park: Cross Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks ($2 toll). Turn left/west
onto WA Hwy 14. Drive 6.5 miles west to the trailhead on the left side of the road. You'll
see Beacon Rock getting bigger as you approach. As you come to the rest area facilities on
your left, to your right there is a road that you will need to take to the parking area and
trailhead for this hike. A Washington Discover Pass is required here.
Alternatively, drive east on Highway 14. The trailhead is just west of milepost 35. Just before
you come to the rest area facilities at the base of Beacon Rock, you will see a road off to your
left. Follow this road to the parking area and trailhead for this hike. A Washington Discover
Pass is required here.
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