Field trip: Spring Hiking Series: Olympic River Rambler
Spring Hiking Series: May Hikes - Hamilton Mountain & Beacon Rock
*** Trip initially open to Spring Hiking Students. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers 7 to 10 days prior to the hike date. *** View hike in peak flower season in the Columbia Gorge! Join us for this hike and consider staying in the area for nearby hikes on Saturday and possibly Sunday. NOTE: WTA DESCRIBES ONE ERODED SECTION OF THIS TRAIL AS "TREACHEROUS". Please consider your comfort with this when signing up.
Contacts
- Fri, May 15, 2026
- Tacoma Hiking & Backpacking Committee
- Day Hiking
- All Who Qualify, Adults
- Moderate/Strenuous
- Moderate
- Mileage: 11.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,550 ft
- Pace: 800-1000'/hour ascending
- 6 (6 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Wed, Apr 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Wed, May 13, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
Moderate paced hike with time to identify wildflowers and appreciate views. Beacon Rock add on will depend on group pace and desire. Beacon Rock is 2 miles RT and 600' gain, and requires moving the cars.
Here's a detailed hike description with photos that recommends a CCW loop:
How to Hike the Amazing Hamilton Mountain Trail in the Gorge
Tentative 10 a.m. upper loop Beacon Rock campground (Hadley Trailhead) to allow drive time of almost 3 hours from Tacoma.
As of late January, campsites are available there, as well as nearby campgrounds. As of January, the Hamiton Mountain trailhead is closed by a landslide, but Hadley trailhead is not.
Instead, follow Google Maps to Hadley Trailhead: Hadley Trail - Google Maps
Hamilton Mountain
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Green Trails Columbia River Gorge West No. 428S
Green Trails Bonneville Dam No. 429 - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
10 Essentials
Both Hamilton Mountain and Beacon Rock require a Discover Pass.