Beacon Rock is the core of an extinct volcano. Its summit trail is 4,500 feet long; allow 45 minutes to an hour for the round trip. The Pacific Crest Trail covers a different scale: it stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada and passes through California, Oregon and Washington.
Hikes between the long-distance trail and the forest
In Skamania County, sections of this long-distance trail meet specific day hikes. The Trout Creek section is four miles long round trip and runs along forested ridgelines between the Columbia River and the Wind River Valley. Easy day hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail are available at Gillette Lake, which is stocked with rainbow trout. The two locations connect the long-distance trail with different highlights: at Trout Creek, the ridgelines and loop distance take center stage; at Gillette Lake, it’s the easy day hike and the lake.
Another forest route leads to Falls Creek Falls. The trail begins alongside a creek and passes through old-growth forest in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. So, along with the long-distance trail, shorter hikes focused on individual landscapes are also part of Skamania.
Planning your visit to Dog Mountain
There is no water available at the Dog Mountain Trailhead, so plan your water needs before setting out. On weekends during the busy season, a free shuttle connects the Skamania County Fairgrounds parking lot in Stevenson with the trailhead. If you plan to use this service, check the current seasonal schedule before your trip.
Exploring the Columbia River
State Route 14 follows the Columbia River throughout Skamania County; the route through the county is 47 miles long. Highway 14 is also known there as the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway. Scenic drives through the county pass cliffs above the river and mountain roads lined with evergreen trees. The changing scenery includes seasonal wildflowers, fall colors, snow-covered mountain views and wildlife sightings.
There are also different ways to enjoy the water. The Stevenson Boat Launch offers a free boat ramp and access to jet skiing, fishing, sailing and kayaking. Pebble Beach has a swimming area with a view, where you can launch kayaks or boards. East Point is popular with kiteboarders, and suitable wind conditions occur there more often than at other points in the Columbia River Gorge.
History and cultural connections
The mission of the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum is to share the history of Skamania County and the Columbia River Gorge. One exhibit explores the history of the Cascade Chinook. This puts the history of the people and the region in the spotlight alongside the landscape.
Lawetlat'la (Mount St. Helens) is located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Skamania and Cowlitz Counties. The mountain is directly connected to the traditional beliefs of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Yakama Nation about the origins, cultural history and nature of the world. This cultural connection adds another perspective on Skamania alongside its trails, forests and waterfront locations.
Discover more destinations: Stevenson, North Bonneville, Benton, Okanogan, Whitman County, Stevens County, Grant County, Douglas County.
For the main travel overview: Washington.
