Hamilton Mountain Loop
6.9 mi
Distance
3 hrs 10 min
Time
terrain
1,949 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail in Beacon Rock State Park. The trail boasts a ton of content in a relatively medium distance hike. Waterfalls, scenic views, side trails, and beautiful wooden bridges. The side trails are where all the best viewpoints are.
This trail goes by Upper Rodney Falls, Rodney Falls, Pool of the Winds Falls, Pool of the Winds, Hardy Falls, Little Hamilton Mountain, and Hamilton Mountain.
Getting Started
Hike Hamilton mountain trail to the top, I would rate as difficult. 8 miles loop. Take the northern route to the saddle on your way down, excellent place to stop and have a picnic on a nice day.
Taking Children
Hamilton mountain trail to summit would be hard for a child that is not an experienced hiker as you must climb over rock faces with steep drop offs.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
This is a great hike for views, waterfalls and a good workout. While the sun was shining most of the way, the peaks were hidden in the clouds but the views of the river were fantastic. The waterfalls were also very nice. Unfortunately the winds were intense and on the ridge on the other side of the summit I had to focus on holding my wind against the wind. We did the loop which was actually 8 miles total. I liked the fact that the descent was not as steep as the ascent. My dog (the "we" in this review) had no difficulty on this hike and he is almost 11 years old. I will do this again when the peaks are out and the wind is less intense.
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Public Tracks
Hamilton Mountain (7/8/17, 6:37:54AM)
This was my first time doing this hike. It was a good work out. I did the loop, which was good. It made coming back down easier on the feet and knees. I would do it again. Get there early if your going in the summer on a weekend. It's a very popular trail. I managed to get my ass on the road at 5:30am and started the hike shortly after 6:30am. There was only one other car in the parking lot when I arrived. When I came back, the lot was full.
I brought my DSLR and took lots of pictures...hence my hike time was longer than usual. The photos in this post are from my phone though. The view at the official summit was kind of crappy, but there were other spots with excellent vantage points.
stars
Hamilton Mountain
Day started out cool and damp in the fog and has the hike progressed was able to clear the fog and then it turned into a beautiful day. The sun was out and the fog was like a blanket over the river below. Able to see the top of Mt Hood coming up. From the top and looking East was Table Mountain and Mt Adams behind it. Going down the back side took the cut off vs walking down the “road”.
stars
Hamilton Mountain trail 3/30/19 3:50:27 AM
Hamilton mountain trail to equestrian trail to hardy creek trail and back on the main trail. Saturday 3/30/19 WA 7.7 miles. Solo
Hamilton Mtn. the Gorge WA side. 7/9/16
Started at noon, short quick elevation to the top up front with a slow meaning downhill on the back side. Fun hike.
Hamilton Mt (7/1/20)
At #16 switchback great view spot
Total 47 switchbacks to summit
Hamilton Mountain (5/12/18, 10:17:55AM)
70’s sunny and clear. Lot full and parked at Beacon Rock. JZ
Beacon Rock State Park Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/22730295144
Beacon Rock State Park Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/22575390873
Beacon Rock State Park Hike
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/19166329731
Hamilton Mountain Trailhead to Hardy Creek Trail, Skamania County, WA, USA
One of my favorites. Very Steep, beautiful waterfalls
stars
