Hike Hamilton Mountain
Details
Distance
7.5 miles
Elevation Gain
2100 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Isaac Koval
This hike is under an hour drive from Portland and passes through old-growth forests and by waterfalls, leading to sheer cliffs with great views of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains.
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.
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Reviews
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Decent
Nothing crazy, not my favorite. I’m worried I didn’t exactly get to the viewpoint I think the trail confused me a tad but it was a good hike!
3.0
Beautiful views with a long uphill hike
Hard hike but great views. Be sure to bring bug spray and plenty of water
4.0
One of my Gorge favorites
If you're looking for a moderate hike with views, waterfalls and a good burn all in one, welcome to Hamilton Mountain. The trailhead is easily accessed and one of the closer hikes to Portland in the Gorge (though it's on the WA side of the river) making it a quicker pick. The trail starts out pretty tame as you make your way over to the falls for a great first stop but after that it's all up to the top and at a solid rise / run rate too. The first viewpoint around 2/3rds of the way up is my favorite part of the trail though a clear day at the summit means a nice view out to Adams and the river below.
5.0
Great Views
It can be a bit crowded if the weather is nice, but the views are worth it. A pleasant uphill hike through rainforest ends with a spectacular view of the gorge and bonneville dam. Leave mid morning and have a picnic lunch on the summit while looking down on small airplanes cruising the gorge.
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
