Tag: Beacon Rock State Park

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Hardy Ridge Hike

I got my new Washington Discovery Pass so I decided to put it to use with a hike up to Hardy Ridge at Beacon Rock State Park. The forecast was for a nice clear sunny day and I needed to get some exercise so more reason for hike. I went up the East side trail and went to Phlox Point. Returned the same route. This may have been the first time this year to have clear views of Gorge and Mountains. I was surprised when I pulled into the parking lot at the Equestrian Trailhead and found the lot almost full. Turned out at WTA was having a workday and had a good turnout of volunteers. Just a few people on the hiking trails.

By the number: 10 miles, 2341 TEG, Time on trail – 4:51 moving, 1:15 stop and 2.1 moving average.

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Hamilton Mt. Saddle Hike

I did a hike with Lori, Jeanette and Sylvia on a sunny day to the Saddle on Hamilton Mt. We started at the Beacon Rock Equestrian Camp and took the Equestrian Trail up to and back from the Saddle. We did about 7.7 miles with 1500 gain in 41/2 hours. Afterward we went to Backwood Brewery for a late lunch.

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Hardy Ridge Hike

The forecast was for a nice sunny day. The plan was to hike up to Hardy Ridge in Beacon Rock State Park and photograph some wild flowers in bloom. What I got was heavy cloud cover that had enveloped the ridge and saturated the plants with water droplets. The droplets soaked my boots and pants and made the rocks very slippery and unsafe. Plan B turned out to be to enjoy the hike and get a few photos before heading home early. By the numbers: 8.5 miles, 1900 ft. Elevation Gain, Time on trail about 5 hrs.

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Beacon Rock Trails

I had plan on doing a traditional hike of Hamilton Mt. but he parking lot was full with BCEP student so this was my plan B. There were several trails in Beacon Rock State Park I had not done so I took this opportunity to check them out. I started in the Equestrian Parking lot and started on the Equestrian Trail. My first new trail was to take off on the Lower Loop Trail. This trail had more old growths stumps then I have seen else where and gave an idea what was here before logging. Next I switch off onto the Hardy Ridge East that I had just hike as part of doing Hardy Ridge. From this trail I could take the Bridge Trail that was new to me. After crossing over Hardy Creek I arrived at Upper Hardy Trail that takes you to that the back side of Beacon Rock State Park. This trail quickly climbs and finally lead to The Saddle behind Hamilton Mt. summit and some good views of the area. From there I took the Don’s Cutoff trail to put me back on Upper Hardy Trail this in turn put me back on the Equestrian Trail and back to my car. Exploring the new trails was fun but doing a lot of road walking gets old fast so I was happy to be heading home.

By the numbers: Almost 10 miles, 1950 elevation gain, about 5 1/2 Hours on that trail.