Beacon Rock State Park in Washington, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-26. Check linked official notices before travel.

Beacon Rock State Park in Washington’s Columbia River Gorge offers a switchback climb on the rock and a flatter interpretive walk near the river. Choose your day carefully: the Beacon Rock Trail closes Tuesdays–Thursdays for decking work from October 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, unless otherwise announced.

Choose the rock or the riverside loop

The Beacon Rock Trail climbs the side of the rock through 52 switchbacks. For a flat, paved alternative, the 1.2-mile Doetsch Walking Path combines a loop walk with panels about the area’s natural and human history.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Respect trail and climbing restrictions

Do not enter the Beacon Rock Trail during construction closures. Technical climbing has separate restrictions: the east face is permanently closed, and the south and southeast faces close annually February 1 with a tentative mid-July reopening. Check the current climbing notice before choosing a route.

Pets and shared trails

Keep dogs on leash and use designated fire areas. Riders should use the Equestrian Trailhead, the park’s only access point shared by horses, bicycles, and hikers.

Choose a campground before reserving

Use the reservation link on the official park page after checking the unit-specific winter schedule. Woodard Creek’s RV sites accommodate vehicles or combinations up to 40 feet long and 12 feet 9 inches high. The equestrian campsites are for campers with horses.

Maps, location, and access

The park address is 34841 State Route 14, Skamania, WA 98648, on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. Choose the trailhead for your intended walk; the rock climb and Doetsch loop are distinct outings. Park maps are available on the official park page.

Nearby protected areas

Along State Route 14, Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers an overlook between mile markers 31 and 32; the refuge has no trails or other visitor access. Farther west near Washougal, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the pedestrian-only Mountain View Trail from the SR 14/45th Street entrance. Check its parking gate’s closing time.

Hiking and interpretation

For a woodland outing, the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead leads toward Rodney Falls, Hardy Falls, and Pool of the Winds. The Doetsch loop suits visitors seeking a paved interpretive walk. Plan the rock’s switchbacks for a day outside the announced construction closure.

Camping and accessibility

Woodard Creek has five full-hookup and two standard campsites. Upper Campground has 25 standard sites and a hiker/biker site, subject to its seasonal closure. The park lists accessible campsites, accessible restrooms, and drinking water. The Doetsch interpretive trail is ADA accessible.

About the park

A Civilian Conservation Corps campground

The Civilian Conservation Corps built Upper Campground in 1935. The Doetsch Walking Path crosses land once used as pasture by the Doetsch family ranch.

Forest and river habitat

Old-growth Douglas fir surrounds the start of the Hamilton Mountain route. At Beacon Rock, climbing closures protect rare species and other natural resources.

Contact

Park office: (509) 427-8265. Email: [email protected]. Review Discover Pass prices and exemptions before travel.