This column was originally published in Vol. 33, Issue 9 (May 2023)
The Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge does not receive nearly as much love as the Oregon side. However, Beacon Rock State Park features some equally fulfilling trails just 50 minutes from campus. Hamilton Mountain is a popular and moderately challenging trail that quickly submerges hikers into the deep forest feel, complete with waterfalls and incredible views of the Gorge.
This out-and-back trail is 6.4 miles roundtrip and picks up incline quickly. However, hikers are soon rewarded after embarking, as the first viewpoint provides a brief glimpse of the Columbia River and the Bonneville Dam.
About 2 miles in, the trail eventually intersects Hardy Creek, which is raging during the spring season. This will lead hikers to one of my favorite waterfalls in the Gorge, Rodney Falls. This picturesque waterfall flows underneath a long footbridge, making it the perfect picture stop. The Pool of the Winds is situated at the top of Rodney Falls, where an outcropping in the rock face and the powerful rush of water creates a wind tunnel-like effect. Hikers can take a short detour up to the Pool of the Winds and catch a glimpse of the torrent. A peak over the railing allows viewers to take in the full intensity of the falls, but not without getting blasted by the wet and freezing wind.
After passing Rodney Falls, hikers can choose to turn back or continue on to complete the Hamilton Mountain trail. The trail was extremely muddy at the end of April and a few of the footbridges were in rough shape. The journey was completely manageable without poles but be prepared to get messy if you’re hiking during the rainy season.
The last quarter mile of this hike features some hellish switchbacks that are reminiscent of the Angel’s Rest trail. However, this climb opens up to sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge (as long as you go on a clear day, unlike me). The viewpoint is about three miles in and provides the perfect opportunity to stop for lunch before turning back.
Mushrooms and wildflowers abound during this part of the season. My favorite wildflower, the Pacific trillium, dotted the entire trail during my late April hike. Those with a good eye can spot the tiny green-pea mushroom lichen that occasionally populate the downed trees.
The entirety of this hike is fairly inclined – the way up made for a good workout. However, hikers are rewarded for their hard work, as the views of the Gorge are incredible and the way back to the trailhead is extremely easy.
Getting there:
From I-205, take Evergreen Highway East to Beacon Rock State Park. After about 38 miles – across from the Beacon Rock Trailhead – a slight left leads to the Hamilton Mountain trailhead. If the parking lot at the trailhead is full, there is plenty of overflow parking further up the road at the picnic area. A Discover Pass is required to park and there are pay stations at both parking lots where day passes can be purchased.
