Beacon Rock State Park

Beacon Rock rises 848 feet from the north bank of the Columbia River, making it one of the world’s largest monoliths. Located about 35 miles east of Vancouver, Washington, in the Columbia River Gorge, this basalt core of an ancient volcano draws hikers, campers, and geology enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest. The park surrounding it covers roughly 4,500 acres of forested ridgeline, river frontage, and dramatic cliff faces, offering a range of experiences well beyond the famous summit climb.

Climbing the Monolith

The summit trail is the reason most people come to Beacon Rock, and it delivers something genuinely unlike any other hike in Washington. The route ascends the rock via a series of switchbacks, handrails, and wooden catwalks bolted directly into the basalt face. Hikers gain nearly 600 feet of elevation in less than a mile, moving through open rock exposure with increasingly wide views of the Columbia River and the Oregon shore below. The trail was originally constructed between 1915 and 1918 by Henry Biddle, who purchased Beacon Rock in 1915 after earlier plans to quarry it for jetty construction had threatened the rock. His work, later restored and expanded by the state, remains one of the more impressive feats of trail engineering in the region. The summit itself is a narrow rocky platform offering panoramic views up and down the gorge. The trail is rated moderate, but the exposure and the metal railings give it a more adventurous feel than the distance and elevation gain alone would suggest. Leashed dogs are allowed on the summit trail, though the narrow catwalks and open exposure make it a route worth thinking through carefully before bringing a pet.

Camping at Beacon Rock

The park offers a genuine overnight camping experience with sites spread across several areas. The Upper Campground includes standard sites in a forested setting, while Woodard Creek Campground has standard sites and full-hookup sites for RVs, with access to restrooms and hot showers during the main season. A separate group camp area accommodates larger parties, and an equestrian camp offers two primitive sites for campers with horses. Campsites are set back in the forest above the river, with access to trails directly from camp. Reservations are strongly recommended from late spring through Labor Day weekend, as the park fills quickly given its proximity to the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Backcountry camping is not available; primitive sites are limited to the equestrian camp.

Trails Beyond the Summit

While the summit trail gets the most attention, the park has a broader trail network worth exploring. The Hardy Creek and Hardy Ridge trails climb through old-growth Douglas fir into the forested uplands, where views open across the gorge from a very different vantage than the monolith provides. The River to Rock trail connects the campground to the base of the summit route. Total trail mileage in the park runs to more than 26 miles of roads and trails, with options for half-day loops that include both forest and river-level segments. The terrain shifts noticeably from the rocky sun-exposed south slopes near the monolith to the dense, mossy forest on the north-facing ridges.

River Access and Day Use

The park has a boat launch on the Columbia River and a small picnic area along the waterfront. Fishing regulations on this stretch of the Columbia are complex and change by season, with some species and areas near Beacon Rock and Bonneville Dam closed at times. Check current WDFW or ODFW rules before heading out. The day-use area along the river provides a lower-elevation option for those who want the setting without the climb. It fills up on summer weekends, so arriving early is advisable if you want a picnic table with a river view.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome in most areas of the park and must be on a leash no longer than eight feet at all times. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Beacon Rock summit trail, though the narrow catwalks and open exposure make the route unsuitable for some pets. They are permitted in the campground and in the day-use area, and owners should follow any posted trail restrictions. Owners are required to clean up after their animals throughout the park.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Black bears live in the broader forested region and may pass through the park. Store all food, garbage, and scented items in your vehicle or a bear canister, and never leave food unattended at a campsite. On rocky, sun-exposed slopes, watch where you place your hands and feet and stay on the established path. Coyotes are common across Washington and may move through the park. Keep pets leashed and close, especially at dawn and dusk, and do not offer food to any coyote you encounter. Ticks are most commonly encountered in Washington during spring and early summer and may be found in brushy trailside vegetation. Wear long sleeves and pants on brushy sections, and do a thorough check of your skin and clothing after any hike.

Practical Information

Beacon Rock State Park is located at 34841 State Route 14, Skamania, WA, along State Route 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. The nearest towns are North Bonneville, about 2 miles east, and Stevenson, roughly 7 miles east. From Portland, take I-84 east to the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks, cross into Washington, and head west on SR-14 for approximately 7 miles. A Discover Pass is required for day-use parking: $10 for a one-day pass or $45 for an annual pass. Camping fees generally range from $12 to $56 per night depending on site type and season. Reservations can be made through the Washington State Parks reservation system at washington.goingtocamp.com. The summit trail is typically open year-round but can be icy and hazardous in winter. Camping access varies by area: Woodard Creek is reservable year-round, the Upper Loop is closed November 1 through March 15, the group camp is reservable April 1 through October 31, and the equestrian camp is first-come, first-served all year.