Fort Columbia State Park

Distance: ~1 mile total

Fort Columbia was established in 1896 to provide defense for the mouth of the Columbia River, along with Fort Stevens and Fort Canby. Located on Chinook Point, the site covers a total of 593 acres and includes 12 original buildings constructed between 1896-1904. Most notably, the original army barracks. Several concrete bunkers still stand as well, with howitzers to boot.

Neahkahnie Mountain

Distance: 5 miles out and back
On a clear day, Neahkahnie Mountain hits you with a phenomenal view of Manzanita, Neahkahnie Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. However, if the cloud cover isn't cooperating, this hike might be a waste of time.

To find the trailhead from Portland, take Hwy-26 west until you reach the coast, then hop on Hwy-101 south bound. You’ll need to drive 15 miles on 101 to reach the trailhead parking lot, located on the right. If you pass a rather large parking lot with an overlooking view of Neahkahnie Beach (Neahkahnie Mountain View Point), you've driven too far.

view of Cape Falcon in the distance

Trillium Lake Loop

Distance: 4.4 mile loop

Trillium Lake Loop is a great year round hike.  Whether you enjoy a nice summer camp-n-hike or a winter snowshoeing adventure, Trillium Lake loop provides the diversity most trails do not.  Below is a guide comprised of both a cross-country skiing trip and snowshoeing venture. Both days were too foggy to catch a glimpse of Mt. Hood, so an additional summer video has been added. 

To reach the Trillium Lake trailhead from Portland, travel east on I-84 and take the Troutdale exit, #14. Head south on 238^th as it converts to 242^nd and eventually Hogan Dr. Take a left on Powell blvd and immediately veer right onto Mt Hood Hwy (Hwy-26). After 40 miles on Mt Hood Hwy, you’ll reach the trailhead parking lot on the right.  There will be plenty of signs to guide you.

Getting Started 

Silver Star Mt. via Grouse Vista

Distance: 6 miles round trip
There are several trails leading to Silver Star Mountain, but Grouse Vista may be the most accessible trail coming from Portland or Vancouver. Finding the trail is not fun. Meandering country roads composed of coarse gravel, lead drivers to the trailhead. The travel is worth the effort, if you dare to visit the most recent Bigfoot sighting! That's right, Bigfoot was sighted walking along the mountain's ridge in November of 2005.

From Portland, use these directions to find the trailhead: directions. Otherwise, follow Padden Pkwy (500) as it transitions into Ward Rd and then again into 182nd Ave. Take a right on 139th St, where you'll begin to climb. Veer left onto Rawson Rd and remain on Rawson as it transitions into L-1400/L-1500. Eventually take a left onto L-100. 3.5 miles later take a right onto Dole Valley Rd, followed by a quick right onto L-1200. The rocky road of L-1200 will take you to the trailhead.

View from Silver Star Mountain

Beacon Rock

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Rumor has it, Beacon Rock is one of the tallest monoliths (solo piece of rock) in the United States. Surprisingly this monolith was not carried by ice age glacier movement, but instead, Beacon Rock is a projectile from the core of an explosive volcano. Mt Hood, maybe? Know one knows for sure. But in the early 1900's a man bought the enormous rock and constructed a series of cutback bridges leading 848 feet to the top! Making Beacon Rock one of the oldest trails in the gorge.

Beacon Rock is very easy to find. From Vancouver, head east on HWY 14 for approximately 40 miles. You can find parking just past the information center (small stone building) on the right hand side of the road. Don't forget your discover pass.

View of Beacon Rock from Hamilton Mt. Trail