Columbia River Gorge NSA Hamilton Mountain Hike Hike 29 Length: 8 miles round trip Elevation Change: 2200' gain Season: Year Round including snowfall Difficulty:    Challenging due to steepness Permit: Yes Please note: Washington State now requires a permit to hike at their state parks. So, be sure to get their daily or annual permit. Features: An outstanding hike with all the right features such as water falls, steep cliffy areas, 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. The works its way around to the west side of the slope and begins a very vigorous climb through a series of small switchbacks. At about 3 miles you level out on a little saddle between Little Hamilton and the main Hamilton Mountain. By now your are feasting on incredible vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and Beacon Rock. 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. A Virtual Hike in the Columbia River Gorge NSA All for the love of hiking!