Beacon Rock - Hardy Ridge Trail

The Bridge Trail is this Thursday's destination in the lesser-known backcountry of Beacon Rock. Deep in the heart of the park, the intrepid hiker will discover solitude, fire scarred remnants of old-growth giants from the Yacolt Burn (1902), crystal clear waters of Hardy Creek and a beautiful trail built by WTA volunteers!

"Beacon Rock" was originally named by Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean on October 31, 1805. It was near Beacon Rock that they first measured tidal influences from the ocean on the Columbia River. In 1811, Alexander Ross of the John Jacob Astor expedition called the rock "Inoshoack Castle." The rock was known as "Castle Rock" until, in 1916, the United States Board of Geographic Names restored the name "Beacon Rock." Henry J. Biddle purchased the rock in order to build a trail to the top. The trail was built, and in 1935 his heirs turned the rock over to the state for use as a park. Additional development was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park is situated alongside the Columbia River, within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. In addition to the picnic and camping facilities there are several miles of pedestrian and equestrian trails that lead away from the river and into the foothills.

Driving directions:
Coming from the north into Vancouver, WA on I-205, take Exit 27 onto State Hwy 14, heading East (toward Camas). Continue east on SH 14 for about 30 miles and you will reach the Beacon Rock Park, turn left (head North, away from the river) onto Kueffler Road (just before, or west of, the Beacon Rock Ranger Station). Continue on Kueffler Road until ~200ft past the 1-mile marker, turn right onto the gravel road that will end at the equestrian parking lot, where we will meet for the trail work. (Driving time from Vancouver: approximately 1 hours.)