Beacon Rock State Park - Bridge Trail
Southwest WashingtonBest Year-round
A volunteer-built forest connector with a handsome creek bridge, best used as a link in longer Beacon Rock loop hikes.
About This Trail
This short connector trail is part of the backcountry network at Beacon Rock State Park, linking the East Hardy Ridge Trail with the Upper Hardy Creek Trail through quiet, mossy forest along Hardy Creek. WTA volunteers built most of this path starting in 2009, and the craftsmanship shows in the highlight feature: a sturdy bridge spanning Hardy Creek that frames the water and ferns below.
The trail itself is easy and flat enough for families, but it really shines as a building block for longer loops. Pair it with the Equestrian Trail for a lollipop route through second-growth forest, or use it to connect into the Hardy Ridge trail system for a full day in the park. Expect lush understory, stream crossings, and solitude. The equestrian upgrades (completed 2012) mean the tread is wide and well-graded.
Fall brings good color along the creek corridor, and spring wildflowers (wood violets especially) carpet the forest floor. This is a safe bet during deer hunting season since the state park boundary keeps you away from active hunting areas.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazard
- Equestrian trail - yield to horses
Getting There
Park at the equestrian trailhead off Kueffler Road. The trailhead is about 1.4 miles off SR 14 on a mix of paved and gravel road. Discover Pass required. The connector trail itself is 2.1 miles from the trailhead via the closed road.
From the equestrian trailhead, follow the closed road roughly 2.1 miles to reach the western end of the Bridge Trail. The connector runs east to meet the Upper Hardy Creek Trail. Navigation is straightforward with signed junctions.
No special timing needed. Works well as a morning or afternoon link in a larger loop.
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