Parking & Directions
Beacon Rock State Park is at 34841 State Route 14 in Skamania, Washington, on the north bank of the Columbia River Gorge, about 40 minutes from Portland and Vancouver. Each trail has its own parking lot along SR 14 or on the park's side roads. Every car needs a Discover Pass, $10 a day or $45 a year, sold at the park's automated pay station, which takes cash and cards.
Getting There at a Glance
Driving Directions
Head east on Washington State Route 14 from Vancouver, or cross the Columbia from Oregon and join SR 14 on the Washington side. The park straddles the highway: Beacon Rock and the river are on one side, and Hamilton Mountain and the campground are across it. For turn-by-turn directions, use the Get Directions link on the official park page or the coordinates 45.6279, -122.0239.
Which Lot for Which Trail
- Beacon Rock Trail: the Beacon Rock Trailhead lot at the foot of the rock. The trail starts at the bulletin board at the east end. See Beacon Rock Trail.
- Hamilton Mountain and the waterfalls: the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead and Lower Picnic Area. See Hamilton Mountain.
- Little Beacon Rock and the Hadley Trail: the Hadley Trailhead, in the main campground next to campsite 10.
- Hardy Ridge, The Saddle, bikes and horses: the Equestrian Trailhead. Washington State Parks notes it usually has space on busy weekends, so it is a good backup start for Hamilton Mountain.
- Doetsch Walking Path: the Doetsch Day Use Area. See Doetsch.
- River to Rock Trail, boat launch and moorage: Moorage Road; the trail starts just north of the railroad overpass.
The Discover Pass
- One day: $10. Annual: $45.
- Where to buy: the automated pay station in the park (cash or card), or ahead of time online.
- Who doesn't need one: people who arrive on foot, by bike or on horseback, registered campers in the park, and everyone on a Discover Pass free day. The last 2026 free day is Veterans Day, November 11.
- Fine for no pass: $99.
- Leaving a car overnight at a trailhead or the launch: $10 a night unattended vehicle fee.
More on fees: hours and fees.
Busy-Day Tips
- Arrive soon after the 8 a.m. opening on summer and fall weekends, when the trailhead lots can fill.
- From October through May, the Beacon Rock Trail is closed Tuesday to Thursday, so plan around those days.
- If one lot is full, try another trailhead rather than parking on the highway shoulder.
Parking & Directions FAQ
Where do you park for Beacon Rock?
At the Beacon Rock Trailhead lot beside State Route 14, at the foot of the rock. You need a Discover Pass, $10 a day or $45 a year.
How far is Beacon Rock from Portland?
About 40 minutes by car, according to Washington State Parks, on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.
Where do you park for Hamilton Mountain?
At the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead and Lower Picnic Area. On busy weekends the Equestrian Trailhead usually has space and makes a longer start.
Do you need a Discover Pass at Beacon Rock State Park?
Yes, to park a vehicle. The pay station takes cash and cards. Walkers, cyclists, horseback riders and registered campers don't need one.