Beacon Rock

My friend, Jessica, posted on facebook that she wanted to go to a hike. I asked where and when and we decided to hike Beacon Rock in the Columbia Gorge. Funny thing is, both of us have never hiked Beacon Rock! One of those things that you think, "oh, I can go there anytime!" and then you never do. We met in the morning, hiked on up and up and up the .9 mile trail. Lots and lots of switchbacks take you up the west side of the rock. Once you get closer to the top you finally get to swing around to the east side of the big rock. The top doesn't have a lot of room to roam about but it feels good to finally get up there! We took some pictures, read the plaque, drank some water then headed back down. Once at the bottom we decided that wasn't enough so we headed across the river and hiked Wahclella falls too!

A little warning before starting up the switchback trail.

I just thought this was a cool rock whatever you call it.

The view from the trail on our way to the top. This is looking across to the Oregon side and slightly west.

The view looking west.

The view looking east.

The crazy switchback trail, walk too fast and you get dizzy with all the back and forth.

Another shot of the trail, just looking down this time.

The final climb to the top!

View to the east from the top.

View to the west from the top. To be honest, the view, in my humble opinion, was better from the trail.

Heading back down, the sun was really starting to burn off the mist that was lingering in the gorge.

My hiking partner, Jessica!