The hike to Hamilton Mountain, along the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington State side, can be done as an in-and-out hike or as a loop. We choose the loop option.
It was 8 miles and about 2100 ft elevation gain.
Amble parking near the trail head 0.3 miles off of State Route 14
The hike begins in the forest, but soon we were walking through a large field with wildflowers.
Looking ahead, we saw our destination Hamilton Mountain,
and just below is a rocky ridge with wonderful views.
About 1.1 miles, Hardy Falls
Nearby is the side trail up to the Pool of Winds, definitely worth the short climb up hill.
As you climb, you see the top of Rodney Falls behind the rock.
At the end of the viewing area, you see where Rodney Falls burst through a tight chasm into a small punchbowl, the wind bursts through here, fabulous experience.
Continue back to the trail, cross a bridge, to see more of Rodney Falls. A short distance further on is a junction, take the trail to the right for the best views on the way up to Hamilton Mountain.
the trail climbs upward, with many opportunities to view the Columbia River to the South and the Oregon Cascade Mountains beyond. Beacon Rock is to the right on the Washington side of the river.
More views as we continue to climb.
More wildflowers as we cross higher meadows
From the top of Hamilton Mountain the only views are to the East and the North.
Follow the north ridge down from Hamilton Mountain to the saddle, where there are great views.
We choose to take the Dons Cutoff Trail for our loop trail.
where we found wild ginger
