Beacon Rock

Located outside of Skamania, Washington, overlooking the Columbia River sits the 848- foot-tall Beacon Rock.

Beacon Rock is the eroded basalt plug of an ancient volcano that was seen by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their expedition.  On October 31, 1805, Captain Clark described it in his journal as “… a remarkable high rock on Stard. Side about 800 feet high & 400 yards round…”

Today the site sits on what is now the Beacon Rock State Park. In the 1800s the rock’s name was changed to Castle Rock and purchased by Henry Biddie. In 1915 Biddie restored the name of the rock to Beacon Rock, and subsequently cruntructed a trail to the top and donated it to the state of Washington. Beacon Rock was designated a state park in 1935.

Today, Beacon Rock boasts great views and many different outdoor adventures. With a walking trail, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, and cycling trails; and with impressive views from any vantage point within the park,  there is sure to be a magnificent vista awaiting you at the end of it.

The park also includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shores and over 26 miles of roads and trails. There are also designated picnicking and camping locations around the park. The rock itself has a switchback hiking trail that is a mile long, which ends with a fantastic view of the Columbia River and the Beacon Rock Park.

Beacon Rock is a treasure of nature preserved.