Beacon Rock is only open to climbers from July 15th through February 2nd due to peregrine falcon nesting. MORE INFO >>>
From the Washington Park's Page Beacon Rock offers excellent opportunities for rock climbing except where it interferes with nesting raptors, primarily on the south face. The presence of the falcon nest requires that the south face be closed to technical rock activity February 1 to mid-July annually; open the rest of the year. The east face is closed year-round due to environmental sensitivity. Call the park at (509) 427-8265 for more information.
BETA PHOTO: Beacon from I-84
Description
A lone 400’ basalt monolith that sits prominently in the spectacular Columbia Gorge, Beacon Rock is an obvious climbing destination for Portland climbers. Although much of the rock in the gorge is of poor quality Beacon Rock has plenty of solid and steep lines. A handful of boulders are tucked away in the woods below.
The descent off of Beacon Rock is one of the easiest anywhere. An elaborate stainless steel "trail" of platforms and staircases is bolted to the East side of Beacon Rock which makes for an easy hike to the top for tourists, or an easy descent for climbers.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Beacon Rock is to take State Route 14 29 miles East from Vancouver, Washington. Alternatively, you can take I-84 East from Portland and cross The Bridge of the Gods (have some change handy, as it’s a toll bridge), and then West on SR 14 to the park.
Windsurfer is a fun and interesting classic corner with several small roof features. True to the climbing at Beacon, the climb requires innovative moves and fun positioning. It is easy to get tunnel vision on this route but looking for stems makes the route much easier. ...[more]
You might also add that the east face is currently closed to climbing.
The last few years have seen a revitalization of climbing and stewardship at beacon rock. There has been extensive anchor restoration, route cleaning, and new route development in the last few years. This summer there are plans to reclaim several more once popular routes of foliage and debris.
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