Beacon Rock State Park, Volcanic rock formation in Columbia River Gorge, Washington, US
The 848-foot basalt monolith rises from the north shore of the Columbia River, featuring a trail system with 52 switchbacks leading to the summit.
Lewis and Clark documented the location in 1805, noting it as the first point where they observed tidal influences on the Columbia River, 120 miles from its mouth.
Native Americans named the formation Che-Che-op-tin, meaning navel of the world, recognizing its geological importance as the core of an ancient volcano.
The park spans 4,458 acres with 26 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, plus camping facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Henry Biddle purchased the rock for one dollar in 1915 and constructed the current trail system, preventing its demolition for jetty construction materials.
Location: Washington
Operator: Washington State Parks
Website: https://parks.state.wa.us/474/Beacon-Rock
GPS coordinates: 45.66170,-122.01600
Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:21
Washington holds far more than the well-known attractions of Seattle and Mount Rainier. Across the state, dozens of less-visited sites offer insight into the region's geological history, military past, and natural diversity. From waterfalls to ancient forests to historic lighthouses and military fortifications, Washington presents a substantial range of landscapes and cultural sites. Palouse Falls in Franklin County drops 198 feet (60 meters) into a basalt gorge, while Cape Flattery at the northwesternmost point of the continental United States looks out over jagged cliffs and the open Pacific. Ape Caves in Skamania County is one of the longest lava tube systems in the country, and Beacon Rock rises 848 feet (260 meters) above the Columbia River. The Trail of the Patriarchs leads through centuries-old Douglas firs and cedars, and Deception Pass Bridge connects Whidbey Island to the mainland via a 180-foot (55-meter) steel structure from 1935. Fort Worden in Port Townsend served as a coastal defense installation, and the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle documents the Asian American history of the Pacific Northwest. Dry Falls in Grant County shows the remains of an Ice Age waterfall that was once wider than Niagara Falls. Mima Mounds in Thurston County forms a field of hundreds of symmetrical earth mounds whose formation continues to be scientifically debated. These sites offer practical alternatives to the crowded main attractions and allow for deeper engagement with Washington's natural and historical features.
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