Hike to Hamilton Mountain in Washington
Looking for one of the most rewarding hikes in the Columbia River Gorge?
Hamilton Mountain packs a punch with waterfalls, sweeping views, and forest magic—all just about an hour from Portland. It’s a popular trail for good reason, so get there early, lace up your boots, and get ready for one of the Gorge’s most iconic adventures.
Here’s what to expect on this epic hike in Beacon Rock State Park.
Hike Stats: 5.4 miles, rated hard, 2,000ft elevation gain.
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Table of Contents
1. Start in the Forest: Lush, Shady, and Green
The trail kicks off with a gentle but steady climb through a dreamy forest canopy.
The path is wide and well-maintained, surrounded by towering evergreens, moss-covered rocks, and the kind of rich greenery the Pacific Northwest is famous for.
It’s peaceful, shaded, and the perfect way to ease into the hike before the big payoffs later on.
2. The First Waterfall: Hardy Falls
A quick little side trail takes you to Hardy Falls, the first of two waterfalls on the route. While the view is partially obscured and the falls are more of a nice trickle than a showstopper, it’s still a pretty detour—especially if you love collecting waterfall sightings.
3. Rodney Falls and the Pool of the Winds
Just up the trail is Rodney Falls, and this one’s a stunner. You’ll hear it before you see it. A short staircase leads to a platform called the Pool of the Winds, where the water crashes into a narrow rock bowl and creates a swirling spray.
Cross the bridge just below for another viewpoint looking back up at the falls.
If you’ve had enough, you could turn around now. You at least got some waterfall views. But there’s more if you can push on!
READ MORE: 21 INSANE Waterfalls in Washington
4. Gorge Views Begin: Little Hamilton Mountain
After the waterfalls, the trail climbs steadily with rocky switchbacks and breaks in the forest revealing incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge.
You’ll spot the Bonneville Dam, the winding river, and even Dog Mountain in the distance. This stretch is where the legs might burn a bit—but the views make it worth every step.
This is another turning around point for many. If we’re being honest, this is as good as the views get on this trail. But if you actually want to summit, there’s not too much further to go…
5. Push to the Summit
The final half-mile to the summit of Hamilton Mountain dips back into the trees, but once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with more views—Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and the Gorge all spread out around you.
Some trees and brush block parts of the panorama, but don’t worry—you still get those classic “top of the world” feels.
6. Loop or Out-and-Back?
From the summit, you can either return the way you came or continue on the loop to add more mileage and variety.
The loop reconnects back to the main trail after about two additional miles. Either option makes for a satisfying adventure, depending on how much time and energy you’ve got left in the tank.
7. Trail Tips for Hamilton Mountain
- Best time to hike: Spring for wildflowers and waterfalls, or fall for cooler temps and colorful leaves.
- Gear notes: Sturdy shoes are a must. Trekking poles are helpful for the rocky sections and the descent.
- Crowds: This is a very popular trail—arrive early, especially on weekends.
- Trail conditions: Can get slippery near the waterfalls. Watch your step.
- Dogs: Welcome, but must be leashed.
- Parking: Limited! The lot fills up fast, so earlier is always better.
Check out more Columbia River Gorge hikes and more Columbia River Gorge waterfalls!
We hope this helped you plan your hike to Hamilton Mountain!
