Hamilton Mountain

Distance: 7.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,240 feet.

Hamilton Mountain stands tall over the Washington side of the Columbia and it’s cliff lined peak makes for one of the most beautiful, and popular hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. This hike has some of everything. Views, waterfalls, wildflowers, rocky cliffs, and deep forests. Hamilton Mountain is actually the end of a basalt ridge that was cut off during the Missoula Floods about 15,000 years ago. Now, it makes for some awesome vantage points and beautiful scenery, just what every hiker dreams of.

The hike to Hamilton Mountain begins from the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead in Beacon Rock State Park. The parking area is fairly small and this area is popular, so finding a place to park can be challenging. You may have to look towards the picnic area further up the road or all the way down the road at Beacon Rock.

The trail climbs at a pretty good clip and doesn’t really mess around getting into it. It’s not some crazy steep trail, but you will defiantly be trudging uphill for the first half mile or so. The trail begins in a dense forest with plenty of shade, but after a quarter mile or so, you will pass through a wide clearing of high brush and flowers as the forest has been cleared for power lines. At 0.4 miles, as you leave the power line clearing, you will pass the Hardy Trail that heads to the left and back towards the campground. Keep right and reenter the forest.

Following the clearing, you will climb another couple hundred feet over the next 0.2 miles or so before the trail begins to level off. There will be a couple of log foot bridges spanning some side creeks. Then, about a mile from the trailhead, you will hit a side trail leading you down to the Hardy Falls viewpoint. It’s only a short little jaunt down to a wooden platform overlooking the falls, but the trail down to it is very steep and loose. If you are here in the summer, when everything is leafed out and the flow is low, you may not even see anything. However, earlier in the year, when the sight lines are better, the 90 foot falls can be very impressive.

After Hardy Falls, it’s just a short jaunt up to Rodney Falls and the Pool Winds. The trail splits here, with a short side trail taking you up to the pool and the main Hamilton Mountain Trail crossing a bridge along the base of the falls. Head up the side trail to a cool viewpoint looking straight into the cave. The water has created a cool, deep whirlpool within the cave which contributes to the wind. Then head back to the main trail and head out onto the bridge along the Hamilton Mountain Trail. Here, you can see the other 45 feet of falls and its twists and turns over boulders and drops on its way down the mountain side.

Continue up the stairs on the far side of the bridge and begin trekking uphill once more. Ou will reach the junction with the Hardy Creek trail in about a quarter of a mile. If you choose to do the loop, this is where you will emerge. Also, if doing the loop, it is recommended to go counterclockwise, as the Hamilton Mountain Trail is pretty steep and it is way easier on your knees to head up this section, rather than down.

Now the trail does get nice and steep. There are many switchbacks, some of which seem to wash out from time to time, on your way up the ridge of Hamilton Mountain. At the 2 mile mark for the hike, there will be a user trail heading up a ridge to you right. There are a lot of little user trails along the hike heading to little overlooks, but this one is worth it. It climbs pretty steeply over some loose ground, but you will quickly find yourself on top of Little Hamilton Mountain. And the views from here are better than on the summit itself. Not only are Mt Adams and Mt Hood on full display with the Columbia stretched out before you, you find yourself near the base of the basalt cliff face of Hamilton Mountain itself. It’s truly a magical place.

From here head back the way you came and continue the climb up Hamilton Mountain. Soon you will find yourself switch backing up the ridge alongside those cliffs you were just admiring. And there’s a lot, so you won’t feel like you missing out with only getting to do like 10 or 12 switchbacks. But after you’ve put in an adequate amount of effort, you will pop out onto an open dirt patch and realize, hay, I’m here. Unfortunately, the brush is pretty high on the summit of Hamilton Mountain, limiting the views. Some people, having climbed the mountain, choose to turnout around here. But, if you decide to take the loop, one of the coolest spots is yet to come.

Follow the trail north along the top of the ridge through some tall brush and a trail lined with wild flowers. You will dive back into the forest once again but only momentarily. About ¾ of a mile from the summit, you will pop out onto Hamilton Saddle. The rocky, flower lined bench grants some amazing views and is a great break spot.

Continue down the bench until you reach another trail junction. Head left and follow the equestrian trail down an old roadbed for the next mile or so. Once you reach a little meadow, complete with a picnic table and everything, look for the junction with the Hardy Creek Trail to the left. This trail will put you back onto a single track hiking trail.

The next 1.2 miles will take you back to the Hamilton Mountain trail and pass some cool bridges and crib walls to keep the steep mountainside from sliding over the trail. Once you reach the main trail, head right and pass by the two waterfalls on your way back to the trailhead. Maybe, if you have the time, you could even dip your toe in the water, just to relish in the moment.

Directions

To reach the Hamilton Mountain trailhead, head east on Highway 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia about 18 miles from Washougal. Or, if you are coming from the east, head west on Highway 14 seven miles west of the Bridge of the Gods. You will reach Beacon Rock State Park and it will be pretty hard to miss Beacon Rock itself situated on the south side of the road. The road up to the trail head heads north up the hillside opposite of Beacon Rock. Follow the narrow road for 0.4 miles and then you will come to the parking area for the trailhead on your right.

Things to Know

Passes:A discovery Pass is required to hike or park in this area. They can be purchased at the trailhead or online before hand.

Dogs: Allowed and must be on leash.

Usage: Heavy

Flowers: Flowers are outstanding on the upper reaches of the mountain in June and July.

Waterfall Flow: The flows do go down quite a bit in the summer months. The Pool of Winds will still retain some flow but Hardy Falls will be very hard to view with the low flows and abundance of vegetation during the summer.

Open Season: The trail is open year round. The higher elevations can get snow and ice and be pretty slippery at times during the winter