Beacon Rock State Park - River To Rock Trail
Columbia River GorgeBest Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
A quiet forest connector linking the Columbia River moorage to the base of Beacon Rock.
About This Trail
The River To Rock Trail links the Columbia River moorage at Beacon Rock State Park to the main park road near Beacon Rock itself. From the river's edge, the path crosses a footbridge over Woodard Creek and climbs gentle switchbacks through Douglas-fir, passing the remains of an old homestead and filbert orchard.
The route curves around Ridell Lake, a developing wetland where herons and waterfowl gather in spring. After a half mile the trail reaches Highway 14 near park headquarters, where hikers can connect to the one-mile Beacon Rock summit trail for the full river-to-rock experience.
The Woodard Creek footbridge is designed for removal during high water and may be out during winter floods. Elevation gain is modest, making this a good warm-up or family add-on to the Beacon Rock climb.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“8 mile hike can be started at the west parking area for Beacon Rock, or at the railroad underpass near the moorage on the Columbia River, off Doetsch Ranch Road.”
Last report: Sep 25, 2025
Scorecard
A connector rather than a destination. Draws boat-access visitors and families stacking short loops. Most traffic heads straight to Beacon Rock instead.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazard
- Woodard Creek bridge removed in high water — plan around winter floods
Getting There
Park at the Moorage Area along the river or at the Doetsch Ranch picnic area. Discover Pass required.
Recent Reports
This 0. 8 mile hike can be started at the west parking area for Beacon Rock, or at the railroad underpass near the moorage on the Columbia River, off Doetsch Ranch Road.
These are great little trails! I highly recommend starting with River to Rock trail to add a mile or so to the Rock trail.
With the ever-present goal to hike trails that are new to us, and limited time, we headed to Archer Mountain but decided to save it for a day when the ground is drier. We continued East and hiked from Beacon on the River to Rock trail to the boat dock and on to the Doetsch Ranch paved interpretive trail.
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