Getting There
Just after Doetsch Ranch you'll see the Ranger Station on the north side
of the road just before the Beacon Rock parking lot, then another road
across from the bathrooms. The road winds up the hill for a bit.
It
was early afternoon and the weather was sunny but warmer than I expected. I haven't been here since Dec 28, 2025, quite a bit different conditions. I have been to Beacon Rock State Park a bunch of times with WTA, all on the west side (E. Hardy Ridge, Bridge Trail, Upper Hardy Creek). We brushed the Hamilton Mountain Summit on March 27.
Anywho.... it was great to be back. I've been missing hiking for fun.
The Hike
Elev. gain: 2,428 ft
Moving time: 4:12:24
Avg. pace: 26:36
Calories: 2,224
Total time: 5:24:25
It was good to be back on this familiar trail. It's been a while since I did the section from the trailhead to the power lines due to the landslides. I'd gone though Hadley Grove back in Dec. Not sure who did the repairs 'cuz it wasn't WTA.
I had 3L of fluids (2L of Power Ade, and 1L of water). Even before I reached the power lines, I was feeling winded. It was hotter than it seemed. Probably in the 80s, so, not terrible-I've done worse, but it was probably a bit humid too. I was sweating pretty good and was glad I'd worn shorts and my sun-shirt hoodie.
I had to pause several times because my heart was beating really fast. I've noticed lately is my legs feel strong but my cardio is lacking so I'm having to take mini-breaks and let my heart rate slow down before proceeding. Maybe my fitness, maybe the heat. (Something I need to work on and/or be more cognizant of.)
Anyway, I paused briefly at Rodney Falls to take a breather and enjoy the sounds and cooler air.
I made my requisite side trip to Little Hamilton. I considered going up the sketchy route but just didn't feel up to it. I hike the regular trail and then took the junction.
When I was coming down off Little Hamilton, a guy was there at the junction and asked where the trail went. I gave him the recommendation that it was worth the effort. He opted to do it on the way back and took off upward. I noticed he had no pack, no water/fluids, nothing but the shirt on his back and shorts & shoes and cell phone. It always baffles me. I have several liters and the <10 essentials *minus a bunch of stuff like fire starting stuff, headlamp* then there are folks like this guy with nothing.
I saw him again at the summit. He was chilling and looking a his phone.
I stopped at the Saddle and ate 1/2 my sandwich.
When I continued back down, I took Don's Cutoff trail to Upper Hardy Creek. I didn't take many photos for awhile. I did my best to enjoy the environment. I need to do more of that, not just zooming from the trailhead to the summit and back down.
I also did my requisite side trip through Hadley Grove to Little Beacon Rock.
This plaque is at the edge of the grove, near the campground. It's affixed to a chunk of petrified wood.
HADLEY GROVEDEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF
CLYDE B. HADLEY
FIRST SUPERINTENDENT OF BEACON
ROCK STATE PARK 1938-1951
HIS INSPIRING LEADERSHIP AND DILIGENT LABOR WERE
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS 4000
ACRES INTO ONE OF WASHINGTON'S FOREMOST STATE
PARKS. HIS LOYALTY TO HIS COUNTRY, THE STATE OF
WASHINGTON AND THIS COMMUNITY WAS BEYOND REPROACH.
THIS PLAQUE PRESENTED BY
WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, BOY SCOUTS
OF AMERICA STEVENSON TROOP 321 AND PORTLAND AREA COUNCIL
GIRL SCOUTS OF U.S.A. SKAMANIA COUNTY TROOP AND COLUMBIA RIVER COUNCIL STEVENSON HIGH SCHOOL SKAMANIA GRADE SCHOOL
SKAMANIA COUNTY ROD AND GUN CLUB STEVENSON LIONS CLUB GRANGES
OF SKAMANIA COUNTY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
ERECTED 1951
