Beacon Rock State Park
Beacon Rock State Park
4.5
1:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Monday
1:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Friday
1:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 8:00 AM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 8:00 AM
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4.5
67 reviews
Excellent
44
Very good
17
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
tumbleweedchris
Richland, WA1,009 contributions
Sept 2022
At Beacon Rock State Park you will find a hike up the rock aided by bridge and stairs etched in the rock. In person, the path is a little less exhilarating than the pictures may suggest. It is more or less a bunch of switchbacks with a similar view most of the way up. The view from the top isn't quite as good as some of the views on the way up. The hike is relatively short and can be done in under an hour. The Columbia Gorge presents an abundance of excellent nature experiences. So when I compare this hike to the countless other experiences, it simply rates as average. If this were anywhere else, it would be above average. As it stands though, this is a crowded spot to get views you can find elsewhere in the Gorge with less people. I'd find one of those less crowded spots.
Written 6 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cello12345
Urbana, IL778 contributions
Aug 2022
This is a great park with little or no information available on location. Get yourself a map from the website before you go! Even with the map, it can be confusing. There are a lot of great hikes, but we wanted to do the Beacon Rock - find the trailhead right along highway 14. Two parking areas are available (use the automated pay station), with the trailhead in between. Be aware that the trail goes up and up seemingly forever, with switchbacks galore! What a challenge it must have been to build this trail on the sheer rock faces.
The views are stunning. If you're going on a weekend, get there early since the narrow trail can get crowded.
The views are stunning. If you're going on a weekend, get there early since the narrow trail can get crowded.
Written 8 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg K
Olympia, WA133 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
The RV camping area looks like it does not drain water well. The Columbia River is not visible from the camp sites.
The brilliant minds at the state of Washington Dept of Parks thoughtfully placed the RV campground between State Hwy 114 and a very busy railroad. Because of this foresight campers are treated to the noise of fast, rumbling trains and big rig trucks throughout the night. I can see the train approximately 100 meters away from my camper and the RV vibrates with each passing. If lucky, there is a stereo effect with both big rigs and the train. If you are a train enthusiast, who disdains uninterrupted sleep, Beacon Rock State Park is made for you.
Bathrooms were acceptable, but I did not see a shower token dispenser. Not sure where to get tokens
The Ranger station is located a bit down Hwy 114. I went there when they were closing at 4:20 PM to ask for a trail map. They had none. That was the only time I saw park personnel except for one grounds keeper mowing grass.
I doubt I will RV camp here again.
The brilliant minds at the state of Washington Dept of Parks thoughtfully placed the RV campground between State Hwy 114 and a very busy railroad. Because of this foresight campers are treated to the noise of fast, rumbling trains and big rig trucks throughout the night. I can see the train approximately 100 meters away from my camper and the RV vibrates with each passing. If lucky, there is a stereo effect with both big rigs and the train. If you are a train enthusiast, who disdains uninterrupted sleep, Beacon Rock State Park is made for you.
Bathrooms were acceptable, but I did not see a shower token dispenser. Not sure where to get tokens
The Ranger station is located a bit down Hwy 114. I went there when they were closing at 4:20 PM to ask for a trail map. They had none. That was the only time I saw park personnel except for one grounds keeper mowing grass.
I doubt I will RV camp here again.
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cherry_Wonderdog
New England4,681 contributions
Apr 2023
Beacon Rock State Park doth presenteth a majestic spectacle reminiscent of nature's grandeur. The towering Beacon Rock, rising from the depths of the Columbia River, beareth witness to the strength and beauty of God's creation. The verdant forests, teeming with wildlife, doth enchant the senses and transporteth one back to a time when the land was untamed. The trails windeth through the wilderness, leadingeth explorers to breathtaking vistas and hidden treasures. As one wandereth amidst the ancient trees and beholds the mighty river flowing below, a sense of awe and reverence doth permeate the soul. Beacon Rock State Park is a testament to the enduring splendor of the natural world, a sanctuary where one can findeth solace and reconnecteth with the essence of existence.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cocozelle
Soldiers Grove, WI21 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
The Beacon Rock SP campground is right next to Beacon Rock, on the other side of the highway, far enough removed that the road noise isn't bothersome. It's a small, old campground, which means many of the sites are quite small and not very RV-friendly. Which makes this great for tent-camping. Most of the sites are wooded and private, but there are about half a dozen sites right under power lines where the trees and the brush have been cut away, so those sites are pretty open. There is one bathroom in the center of the loop, and it has coin-operated showers. We were there in the middle of the week in August and there were plenty of sites available.
We couldn't find an official swimming beach, but we swam where the locals went: By the boat ramps on the Columbia River (there are also 2 (or more?) additional tent camping sites down there). The water was great for swimming. The boat ramps and docks are in a somewhat protected area, so the river current isn't too strong there. They are great for jumping off, too.
We couldn't find an official swimming beach, but we swam where the locals went: By the boat ramps on the Columbia River (there are also 2 (or more?) additional tent camping sites down there). The water was great for swimming. The boat ramps and docks are in a somewhat protected area, so the river current isn't too strong there. They are great for jumping off, too.
Written 2 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen F Fowler
Portland, OR139 contributions
Sept 2017
Yes, a mid 60's couple finished the climb successfully and joyfully on this, a most beautiful autumn day, Sept. 24. The beginning of the trail is fool's gold.... easy peasy. After that, it's a steady climb that feature bridges over the trail, 52 switchbacks, and countless ways to stumble and fall. Have on a comfortable pair of hiking boots or sneakers; your feet will thank you. We took our time- way past iron-man climbs, and with about a 45 minute breather on the summit, it was 2 1/2 hours for us.
The trail is entirely railed all the way. Safe if you stay inside of them. Some thought they might be an exception to the certainty of gravity and ventured out onto the prominences..... scary moments as in most places it is straight down several hundred feet.
Thankfully the Eagle Creek Fire is out... but from the vista it was clear to see the extensive damage on the Oregon side of the Gorge. Most impressive today was the view upriver, past Bonneville Dam and into the Wind River area.
There is a $10 use fee per car parked in the park unless you have a Washington State seasonal pass. There are no concessions- resrooms and water only. Stevenson, WA is 8 miles east and there are plenty of places to eat and have a brew when you are done. If you cross into Oregon at Bridge of the Gods, the folks in Cascade Locks will welcome you and your money as the town was virtually shut down during the ECF.
One final note: I got to kiss my bride of 44 years at the summit. She let me renew my lease with her for another 44.
The trail is entirely railed all the way. Safe if you stay inside of them. Some thought they might be an exception to the certainty of gravity and ventured out onto the prominences..... scary moments as in most places it is straight down several hundred feet.
Thankfully the Eagle Creek Fire is out... but from the vista it was clear to see the extensive damage on the Oregon side of the Gorge. Most impressive today was the view upriver, past Bonneville Dam and into the Wind River area.
There is a $10 use fee per car parked in the park unless you have a Washington State seasonal pass. There are no concessions- resrooms and water only. Stevenson, WA is 8 miles east and there are plenty of places to eat and have a brew when you are done. If you cross into Oregon at Bridge of the Gods, the folks in Cascade Locks will welcome you and your money as the town was virtually shut down during the ECF.
One final note: I got to kiss my bride of 44 years at the summit. She let me renew my lease with her for another 44.
Written 25 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina E
Joplin79 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
Our family did not have much time for a long hike in the Columbia River Valley, so this was an ideal short hike that took us about an hour. The path is very good, and there are handrails so anyone that is reasonably fit should be able to make it to the top. It is quite steep, but always safe. The views going up and down are great, and the restrooms at the bottom were clean.
Written 14 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tundra74
Tumwater, WA103 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
This was my second time hiking Beacon Rock. The hike takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. It's not overly strenuous and the views are spectacular from both the east and west side of the rock. The parking area was strictly enforced by the State Park Ranger, so be sure you have your Discover Pass or purchase one when parking here. There's a high probability will get a ticket if you don't. Bring your camera, water bottle, and a snack for the top :)
Written 20 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob R
La Center, WA10 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
We live a little over an hour away and drive past it many times a year, and had put it on the to-do list. Living in this area there are so many hiking trails that it is hard to do them all. We finally decided to do it after my oldest invited us to do it with him, so my other son, who is 17, and my wife went out to conquer the "Rock". The complete distance is not that long, I think my wife read somewhere that it was 1.8 miles round trip, but it is uphill the whole way. It is not that bad though since it is all cut-backs, I believe around 50. It was a clear day around 70 degrees, so the views were great the whole way up. Since it is in the Columbia Gorge it is very windy though, so even on a nice day you may want to bring a windbreaker. The only bad part about it was when you get there, the top doesn't have very much space so people are waiting to check out the view from the top. This in turn does not allow you to catch your breathe before you head back down. All in all a must do, and something I noticed many young kids were able to do as well (7-12).
Written 11 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wino74
hood river, oregon99 contributions
Sept 2012
Hiking the Rock is only part of the activities that you can enjoy at the park. The Rock IS a wonderful experience. The trail itself is a wonder of engineering. The park on the north side of the road has more trails, a nice campground with showers and two pleasant picnic areas. The hike to Hamilton Mtn is one of my very favorites.
Written 17 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a place to kayak with kids or is the current too strong?
Written 29 May 2019
i would say yes depending on age and experience. When I have paddled there I have put in at the boat launch and hugged the shoreline until I got to the slough that is protected from the wind and current.
Written 29 May 2019
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