Before you register, please:

• Read our updated digital Liability Waiver here. You will be asked to check a box acknowledging you read waiver during registration.
• Read our COVID-19 Event FAQ here.
• Complete the CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker 48 hours before the outing.

Outing Description

Join hike leader Steve Carples to the summit of Hamilton Mountain where you will visit Little Beacon Rock and Rodney Falls along the way up and enjoy your lunch and a short geology talk in the saddle. Then, you will hike through an old growth forest, by Hardy Creek and down through an area filled with Autumn colors.

*Strenuous hikes will challenge most hikers. The hike will generally be longer and steeper, but may be deemed "Strenuous" because of the elevation gain. Generally 7 to 10 miles.

Trained volunteers lead Friends outings

• Hike Leader: Steve Carples
• Hike Shepherd(s): Don McCoy, Sharon Ross

What you can expect on this guided outing: This is a strenuous and challenging hike, you should only attempt this hike if you are conditioned for strenuous hikes. This hike will be at a moderately quick pace. There will be an opportunity to discuss the fascinating geology of this area, as well as the Ice Age Floods.

Hazards: Portions of this trail are rocky, semi-rugged, and steep in sections. There are short rocky patches that might require a bit of scrambling. There is overgrown bush going towards the saddle. View the recommended 10+ Essentials List to help you pack.

What to Bring:

• Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water (1 liter for every two hours);
• 10+ Essentials in backpack;
• Tecnu (poison oak wash);
• Insect repellent (bug spray);
• Hiking poles (if you have them, they will be very helpful when navigating the rocky area.);
• A photo/copy of your vaccination card if proof not sent via email.

What to Wear:

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers, or boots.
• Durable and protective clothing for rocky terrain.
• Dress for weather: extra layers of clothing for protection against wet or cold weather. Be ready to shed layers in hot temperatures.

Schedule:

• 9:30 a.m. - Meet at the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead in Beacon Rock State Park
• 4:00 p.m. - Outing concludes back at the trailhead

Fee: Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.

• Automated pay station: This park is equipped with an automated pay station at Hamilton Mountain Trailhead area for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.

Restrooms: Nearest restroom located at Hamilton Mountain Trailhead. You'll see a play structure and a self-serve fee payment station to your left and there are bathrooms at the far side of the parking lot.

Managed By: Washington State Parks

Directions: Hamilton Mountain Trailhead is in Beacon Rock State Park.

• From Bridge of the Gods, travel west on WA Hwy 14 for seven miles. Watch for Beacon Rock, it will tower in front of you as you approach the state park which is near mile marker 35. Turn right into the campground and follow it uphill a short ways. Take your first right into the small trailhead parking lot.
• From Vancouver, travel east on WA Hwy 14 for 35 miles. As you near the state park you will begin to see Beacon Rock. Pass the ranger station, and look for the next road that angles up the hill to the left (north). It's signed with a brown hiking/camping icon. Turn left into the campground (directly across from the Beacon Rock) and follow it uphill a short ways. Take your first right into the small trailhead parking lot.

What to expect at a Friends guided outing: Expect a supportive and welcoming space where experienced hike leaders and shepherds guide you throughout Gorge outdoor spaces. Friends outings provide the opportunity to explore the Columbia Gorge, build community, and learn how Friends is the only conservation organization entirely dedicated to protecting, preserving, and stewarding the Gorge.

A confirmation email with outing details will be sent out 3-5 days before the event.

Questions? Please contact Melissa Gonzalez at hikes@gorgefriends.org or 971-634-1265.

Photo: John Gaudette