Beacon Rock State Park
Skamania, WA
A volcanic plug on the Washington bank of the Columbia, climbed by a trail of about 50 switchbacks and railings to an 848-foot summit. A Discover Pass is needed to park.
Beacon Rock State Park lies near Skamania in Washington State on the north bank of the Columbia River, along State Route 14. It is named for Beacon Rock, which Lonely Planet describes as the exposed core of an ancient volcano rising 848 feet (about 258 meters).
Lewis and Clark named the rock on October 31, 1805; later it was called Castle Rock until the Board of Geographic Names restored the name Beacon Rock in 1916. Henry J. Biddle bought it to build a summit trail, and his heirs gave it to the State of Washington in 1935. Today's trail is about 0.9 miles (roughly 1.5 kilometers) long and has 52 switchbacks. The park also offers more than 20 miles of trails and roads for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
For overnight stays there is a 26-site tent campground, better suited to tents than RVs and closed seasonally, plus the year-round Woodard Creek Campground with five hookup sites for vehicles up to 40 feet. Please check fees and pass requirements in advance.
- Nearest town
- Skamania, WA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 45.6290, -122.0217
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lewis & Clark Campground & RV ParkMotorhome stopover2 mi from Beacon Rock State ParkTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Ainsworth CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Beacon Rock State Park · 42 pitchesCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Wyeth CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Beacon Rock State ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Home Valley CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Beacon Rock State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Panther Creek CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Beacon Rock State ParkTentsCaravansToilets
- McNeil CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Beacon Rock State Park · 34 pitchesTentsCaravansToilets
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Beacon Rock State Park?
Beacon Rock State Park is in Skamania, WA, at GPS 45.6290, -122.0217. It is about 7 mi from Cascade Locks.
Can you camp near Beacon Rock State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Beacon Rock State Park Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 67 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Beacon Rock State Park?
Beacon Rock State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Columbia Gorge east: Crown Point to Maryhill.
What is there to see near Beacon Rock State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Multnomah Falls (6 mi), Vista House (12 mi), Timberline Lodge (26 mi) and Trillium Lake (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Beacon Rock State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)