Beacon Rock Trail

This is a surprisingly moderate hike along the core of an ancient volcano. For most folks, this will be an easy-moderate walk up this 845-foot-tall remnant of a 57,000-year-old eruption. Beacon Rock is the core of an ancient volcano. Over thousands of years, hundreds of massive floods (originating in Missoula, Montana) careened through the Columbia River Gorge and carved away the volcano’s main structure, leaving only the lava core you see today. Depending on the definition and expert you speak with, it is the second-largest free-standing monolith in the northern hemisphere. The trail up Beacon Rock is short and manageable for day hikers of all ages, at just under a mile in each direction. It is well-maintained, although not paved most of the way. There are barriers to keep you safe most of the trail.