Beacon Rock State Park - River To Rock Trail

From the Moorage at Beacon Rock State Park this short connector trail climbs through tall Douglas-fir trees, through the site of an old homestead and Filbert Orchard, then past Ridell Lake on its way to the namesake Rock. Its a great hike for people who arrive at the park by boat or for anyone wanting to make a longer hike of the 1.0 mile Beacon Rock Trail.

The trail begins at the Woodard Creek Rail trestle just a 100 yards north of the Moorage. A short bridge designed to be removed when the creek runs high begins the route. After climbing quickly through a switchback and series of climbing turns the trail winds more gently to Ridell Lake (which is better described as a wetland on its way to becoming a meadow).

Curving around the wetland hikers get a nice view of the Rock before heading into the trees again for another climb to Hwy 14 where the route ends opposite the park headquarters. To reach the start of the Beacon Rock Trail, turn left to head east for 100 yards.

The main purpose for the trail is to provide a safe passage for visitors who arrive by boat and wish to hike the Rock. But It is also a great way to extend a visit to the park by combining a picnic at Doetsch Ranch picnic area with a hike up to the Rock and back.

If you forgot to bring a lunch, the Beacon Rock Cafe nestled in the Skamania General Store has excellent burgers, breakfasts and is a surprising find for those who don't expect much from a roadside general store. Look for it on the north side of Hwy 14 just 1.5 miles downriver from Beacon Rock State Park.