Beacon Rock State Park

Columbia River Boat Ramps , Vancouver Washington Boat Ramps , Vancouver Washington Campgrounds , Vancouver Washington Parks , Vancouver Washington Trails , Washington State Parks

Welcome to Beacon Rock State Park located on the banks of the majestic Columbia River in Skamania County, Washington.

Park History: Beacon Rock was first named by Lewis and Clark on October 31, 1805 on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. It was here that the first measured the ocean's tidal influences on the Columbia River. In 1811, a man with the John Jacob Astor Expedition (Probably an ancestor of the John Jacob Astor who went down on Titanic) named Beacon Rock "Inoshoack Castle." It then became known as Castle Rock until 1916 when the name was changed back to Beacon Rock by the United States Board of Geographic Names. A man named Henry Biddle purchased the rock and constructed a trail to the top. In 1935 his heirs donated the land to the State of Washington and Beacon Rock State Park was established. Over the years, the Civilian Conservation Corps helped make improvements to the trail.

Flora and Fauna: Beacon Rock State Park helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the park boundaries include Ponderosa pines, douglas firs, maples, cherries, daisies, rhododendrons, thistles, paintbrush, and poison oak (BE ALERT!). Some of the wild animals who call this place home include bears, coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, bobcats, deer, coyotes, bald eagles, geese, ducks, ospreys, hummingbirds, hawks, and owls. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Beacon Rock State Park boasts over 13 miles of multipurpose trails, a boat ramp, rocks for climbing, and so much more. Come on out and explore!

5 of the campsites have electricity and water. To contact the office please call 509-427-8265.

This was RecPlanet place of the day on May 4, 2016.