Beacon Rock

 Beautiful fall day we decided to take a quick hike up Beacon Rock which is 20 miles from our house up the Columbia River Gorge. Beacon Rock was discovered in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark Expedition when they were exploring the Pacific Northwest. The trail we were on was built by Henry Biddle beginning in 1915 and finished in 1918. Henry Biddle purchased Beacon Rock for a dollar, then later donated it to the Washington State Parks division.

 Here is the view from one of the switchbacks on the way to the top.

 Here we are making our way up to the top, it pays not to look up!

 There I am a couple of switch backs ahead. Below is the view from the top.

 Feeling a bit tired after the ascent, I was very happy that we packed water in our fanny packs.

 Martin at the top of Beacon Rock. It is about a 1000 foot ascent.

We made it and feeling very satisfied, made our way down the hill. It is much easier heading down the trail than up!