Hamilton Mountain

Hamilton Mountain has one of the best views in the Columbia Gorge. The hike starts out with a gradual uphill climb through an old-growth forest. After about a half-mile in you will come to a clearing where you can see the ridge line going up to the top of Hamilton Mountain. From there you'll pass a couple of beautiful waterfalls, Hardy Falls and Rodney Falls.

After the falls the real climbing begins and you'll be presented with two options: "Difficult" or "More Difficult". Take the "More Difficult" route as it takes you by the best view on the hike, known as "Little Hamilton Mountain", as referred to by oregonhikers.org.

• Latitude: 45.64468
• Longitude: -122.00875

Stop here and climb out on the rocks that jet out. From here you can see Beacon Rock to the south, Munra Point to the east and Bonneville Dam to the north east.

Another mile up is the summit. On a clear day you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Adams, and Table Mt.

When you descend you have the option of coming down the same way you went up or doing it as a loop and taking the Hardy Creek Trail down.

Note

• A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead. You can pay for a day pass at the trailhead ($10) or you can obtain a year pass ($30) at the Rangers station just down the road on HWY 14.
• On weekends it gets busy so get there early to find a parking spot.