Columbia River Gorge NSA Hamilton Mountain Hike Hike 29
Length: 8 miles round
trip Elevation Change: 2200' gain Season: Year Round including snowfall Difficulty: Challenging due to steepness Permit: Washington State Parks No Longer require a Permit Features: An
outstanding hike with all the right features such as water falls,
steep cliffy areas, superb views, ridge line hiking, and deep
forested areas, complete with a loop for minimal repeat
scenery. When Beacon Rock State Park is open, you drive to the
picnic area and park at the Hamilton Mountain trail head. When the
park is closed, leave your car along side the road by Beacon Rock.
The hike begins moderately steep for about a mile then becomes more gentle as
you approach the first of two falls. Hardy Falls is visible by taking
a short side trip, but Rodney Falls is fully visible as your cross
Hardy Creek on a bridge right at the foot of the falls. At this point
the trail becomes much steeper and for the next 2 plus miles you gain
nearly 1800' in elevation. About 2.5 miles into the hike you come to
a junction where the trail returns via a loop from the back side of
Hamilton Mountain. If you continue straight ahead, you will come to the
base of the Little Hamilton Mountain. The works its way around to the west
side of the slope and begins a very vigorous climb through a series of
small switchbacks. At about 3 miles you level out on a little saddle between
Little Hamilton and the main Hamilton Mountain. By now your are feasting
on incredible vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and Beacon Rock. As you
climb higher and higher, you will begin to see more of the mountains of
Oregon to the south of you. Finally, you reach the top of Hamilton, and
at the junction there, take the path to the right to a rest area with a view.
