Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway - Washington
Beacon Rock and Beacon Rock State Park, WA

Beacon Rock is a unique geological structure that stands by itself on the banks of the Columbia River. It is the second largest rock in the world, second only to the Rock of Gibraltar. It is believed to be the core of an ancient volcano. The ice-age floods through the Columbia River Gorge eroded the softer material away, leaving Beacon Rock. The rock offers excellent rock climbing opportunities, except where it interferes with nesting raptors on the south face. Visitors can also hike the rock on a trail that goes up the rock with a railing at its edge. The view from the top of the rock of the Columbia River and the Gorge is breathtaking. Lewis and Clark originally named Beacon Rock on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean on October 31, 1805. They first measured tidal influences from the ocean on the Columbia River near Beacon Rock.

Beacon Rock State Park is a year-round camping park with 4,650 acres. The park also includes 9,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. Visitors can enjoy over 20 miles of roads and trails open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use.