What is it?
Beacon Rock is the 848 foot high monolith that sits on the banks of the Washington side of the Columbia River. Once a volcano, the Missoula Floods washed away the exterior of Beacon Rock, leaving only an eroded lava plug.
The rock was named by Lewis and Clark in 1805, and purchased by Henry Biddle in 1915. Biddle, along with the aid of his donkeys, constructed a unique trail to the summit of Beacon Rock. Consisting of dizzying hand railed bridges, ledges, and switchbacks; the trail was completed in 1918.
In the 1930's, Beacon Rock was almost blown to bits as part of an Army Corps of Engineers jetty project. In an attempt to save Henry's labor of love, the Biddle family offered the rock to the state of Washington in hopes that the area would become a state park. Washington initially showed no interest until Oregon stepped in to accept the gift. This prompted a change of heart by Washington, and shortly thereafter Beacon Rock State Park was born.
Why visit?
Henry Biddle's trail to the top of Beacon Rock remains to this day. The 2 mile round trip, 600 foot elevation gain hike provides fantastic views in every direction. Visitors will also enjoy the opportunity to hike along a path that is both an amazing feat of trail engineering, and a piece of Gorge history.
Get there:
From Portland, cross the Columbia River on either I-5 or I-205 and head east along Highway 14. Near MP 35, park on the right side of the road in the pull off at the base of Beacon Rock.
The hike begins at the west end of the parking area. Follow the path to the top, and return the way you came.
Additional Info:
Curious Gorge by Scott Cook
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
Comments
Thanks for posting this. I lived in Cascade Locks as a child, and my parents and grandparents took me to the top of Beacon Rock many times when I was three or four years old. Your article brought back some memories and has compelled me to take my own family there, which is a three hour drive that will definately be worth it. Thanks!
This looks fantastic. I am going to have to check this out the next time I go up to visit my brother.
the rock sounds really cool!
I'm sold! Very cool photos of this place.
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