Beacon Rock FAQ
These are the questions people ask most about Beacon Rock State Park, answered in a sentence or two from Washington State Parks' own pages. In short: the park is open 8 a.m. to dusk all year; parking needs a Discover Pass ($10 a day); the Beacon Rock Trail is 1.8 miles round trip with 52 switchbacks and closes Tuesday to Thursday from October through May; and leashed dogs are welcome.
Visiting
Where is Beacon Rock State Park? At 34841 State Route 14, Skamania, Washington, in the Columbia River Gorge, about 40 minutes from Portland and Vancouver. See parking and directions.
What are the hours? 8 a.m. to dusk, every day of the year. See hours and fees.
Do I need a Discover Pass? Yes, to park: $10 a day or $45 a year, sold at the park's pay station. Not on foot, by bike or on a free day.
Is it busy? The trailhead lots can fill on summer and fall weekends; arrive near the 8 a.m. opening.
The Beacon Rock Trail
How long is it? 1.8 miles round trip, with 52 switchbacks. See Beacon Rock Trail.
Is it open? It is open 8 a.m. to dusk, but closed every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from October 1 through the end of May for deck replacement.
How tall is Beacon Rock? More than 840 feet above the Columbia River.
Other Hikes
Where are the waterfalls? Rodney Falls, Hardy Falls and the Pool of the Winds are 2.52 miles round trip up the Hamilton Mountain Trail. See Pool of the Winds.
How long is Hamilton Mountain? 6.4 miles round trip to the 2,438-foot summit, or a 7.87-mile loop. See Hamilton Mountain.
Is there an easy, flat trail? Yes, the paved 1.2-mile Doetsch Walking Path. See Doetsch Day Use Area.
Camping
Can you camp at Beacon Rock? Yes: the Upper Campground (April 1 to October 15), Woodard Creek with full hookups (all year), a group camp and an equestrian camp. See camping.
Activities
Can you rock climb? Yes, on approved faces, with spring closures for nesting falcons. See rock climbing.
Can you mountain bike or ride horses? Yes, on 13 miles of multi-use trail from the Equestrian Trailhead. See hiking.
Is there a boat launch? Yes, $7 a day, plus a moorage dock. See Doetsch and the river.
Can you swim at Beacon Rock? Washington State Parks doesn't list swimming or a swim beach among the park's activities; it lists boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing on the Columbia.
More Questions
Is Beacon Rock State Park open?
Yes, 8 a.m. to dusk year-round. The Beacon Rock Trail closes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from October 1 through the end of May.
How long does it take to hike Beacon Rock?
The trail is 1.8 miles round trip. Washington State Parks doesn't publish a time, but it is rated easy to moderate.
Is Beacon Rock dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than eight feet.
Do you need a pass for Beacon Rock?
Yes, a Discover Pass to park: $10 a day or $45 a year.
Is Beacon Rock in Washington or Oregon?
Washington. It is on the north bank of the Columbia River, on State Route 14 near Skamania.
Can you swim at Beacon Rock State Park?
Swimming isn't on the park's activity list. Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing are.
Is Beacon Rock worth it?
For a short hike with a big Gorge view, yes: 1.8 miles round trip to the top of a 57,000-year-old volcanic core, 40 minutes from Portland.