Near North Bonneville in Skamania County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Beacon Rock State Park
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 12, 2026
1. Beacon Rock State Park Marker
Captions: (bottom left) You can see for miles in all directions from Beacon Rock's 848-foot summit, making the steep climb and 53 switchbacks well worth the effort. (bottom right) Henry Biddle (at right).
Climb Inside a Volcano
For a spectacular 360-degree view the Columbia River Gorge, follow this mile-long trail to the top as it clings to the lava plug that was once deep inside a volcano.
Still Standing
Thanks to the efforts of Henry Biddle, there is a trail to the top of Beacon Rock. Biddle bought the rock for a dollar in 1915 and spent the next three years building the steep trail, handrails, and bridges. At one time, it was suggested that the rock be blown up to make a jetty at the mouth of the Columbia. Biddle's family donated it to Washington State Parks in 1935.
"My purpose in acquiring the property was simply and wholly that I might build a trail to the summit." - Henry Biddle
Erected by Washington State Parks, Ice Age Friends Washington State Parks, Ice Age Friends.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 45° 37.709′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Columbia River Gorge and in Southwest Washington State. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: "Beacon Rock" (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Beacon Rock (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Journey Through the Columbia River Gorge (approx. ¾ mile away); "Remarkable" Rock (approx. ¾ mile away); Passage Through Time (approx. ¾ mile away); Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 12, 2026
2. Beacon Rock State Park Marker
The marker is on the right, behind the rock pillar.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 3, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
