Hamilton Mountain
A fun hike with great features such as water falls, steep cliffs, superb views, ridge line hiking, and deep forested areas, complete with a loop for minimal
repeat scenery. When Beacon Rock State Park is open, you drive to the picnic area and park at the Hamilton Mountain trail head. When the park is
closed, leave your car along side the road by Beacon Rock. The hike begins moderately steep for about a mile then becomes more gentle as you
approach the first of two falls. Hardy Falls is visible by taking a short side trip, but Rodney Falls is fully visible as your cross Hardy Creek on a bridge
right at the foot of the falls. At this point the trail becomes much steeper and for the next 2 plus miles you gain nearly 1800' in elevation. About 2.5 miles
into the hike you come to a junction where the trail returns via a loop from the back side of Hamilton Mountain. If you continue straight ahead, you will
come to the base of the Little Hamilton Mountain. This works its way around to the west side of the slope and begins a very steep climb through a series
of small switchbacks. At about 3 miles you level out between Little Hamilton and the main Hamilton Mountain. As you climb higher and higher, you will
begin to see more of the mountains of Oregon to the south of you. Finally, you reach the top of Hamilton, and at the junction there, take the path to the
right to a rest area with a view. Return by walking the ridge line to the north for about a mile. The trail eventually connects to a service road which you
will follow for about a mile before entering back into the dense forested areas. This loop will conclude at the junction you saw on the way up the
mountain at about the 2.5 mile mark.
repeat scenery. When Beacon Rock State Park is open, you drive to the picnic area and park at the Hamilton Mountain trail head. When the park is
closed, leave your car along side the road by Beacon Rock. The hike begins moderately steep for about a mile then becomes more gentle as you
approach the first of two falls. Hardy Falls is visible by taking a short side trip, but Rodney Falls is fully visible as your cross Hardy Creek on a bridge
right at the foot of the falls. At this point the trail becomes much steeper and for the next 2 plus miles you gain nearly 1800' in elevation. About 2.5 miles
into the hike you come to a junction where the trail returns via a loop from the back side of Hamilton Mountain. If you continue straight ahead, you will
come to the base of the Little Hamilton Mountain. This works its way around to the west side of the slope and begins a very steep climb through a series
of small switchbacks. At about 3 miles you level out between Little Hamilton and the main Hamilton Mountain. As you climb higher and higher, you will
begin to see more of the mountains of Oregon to the south of you. Finally, you reach the top of Hamilton, and at the junction there, take the path to the
right to a rest area with a view. Return by walking the ridge line to the north for about a mile. The trail eventually connects to a service road which you
will follow for about a mile before entering back into the dense forested areas. This loop will conclude at the junction you saw on the way up the
mountain at about the 2.5 mile mark.
Length: 9.5
Difficulty: Difficult
Pass: None Required
Difficulty: Difficult
Pass: None Required
Hamilton Mountain is
located on Hwy 14
approx 30 miles east
from Vancouver
Washington, or 14
miles west of The
Bridge of the Gods in
the beautiful
Columbia River
Gorge.
located on Hwy 14
approx 30 miles east
from Vancouver
Washington, or 14
miles west of The
Bridge of the Gods in
the beautiful
Columbia River
Gorge.
