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Note: Hardy Ridge and the equestrian trails at Beacon Rock State Park can be accessed from all the trailhead parking areas at the state park. For this particular page, I've elected to describe the portion of the park that is more easily accessed from the equestrian trailhead in the park since there is less elevation gain and likewise the hiking mileage is less. One however, can devise numerous hiking loops using the trails in the park to suit how far and how much elevation gain one wants to endure during their hike here. The equestrian trailhead does have a double vault toilet, several picnic tables set off in the trees and a handled water pump for the horses. Check any signage next to the pump to ensure the water is potable for humans. Dogs should be walked on leash on the trails. A current Washington Discover Pass should be displayed in vehicles along all roads and at all trailheads within Beacon Rock State Park. Trailheads are checked several times a day, so avoid the fine!
Most Columbia River Gorge hikers know that the Hamilton Mountain and Beacon Rock destinations within Beacon Rock State Park are very popular with the hiking crowd at any time of the year. The crowds become even more numerous though during wildflower season which stretches from mid-April into early June most years. To avoid the rush, and also to find a parking spot, I've been parking at the equestrian trailhead which seems to get lighter use, although hiking mid-week will be more relaxing. As with most trailheads in the park, arrive early (by 9-10 am) on weekend mornings to find a parking place.
The equestrian trail system follows old fire roads through the northwestern section of Beacon Rock State Park. One can hike these roads uphill to reach the Bridge Creek Trail which crosses over Hardy Creek and provides access to the saddle at the north end of Hamilton Mountain, or one can instead switchback up Hardy Ridge on a trail and once at the crest of the ridge, take a user trail that eventually leads to scenic Phlox Point, named for the spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa) which adorns its summit. I should point out that most trail junctions in this part of the park are well-signed with a map showing one's location in the park on display at the junction.
Wildflowers begin blooming along the fire roads by late March most years and continue into mid-June. The floral display is typical of other dry conifer or mixed conifer-deciduous forests with some nice streamside flowers thrown in on sections of road with moist ditches and a little sun exposure. I find the display of Oregon anemones (Anemone oregana) to be especially nice, with their creamy to pink, lavendar or blue flowers being featured. See the plant lists below to get an idea of what wildflowers you may be able to view at different times of the spring.
From the west, drive Washington State Highway SR 14 east from Interstate 205 in eastern Vancouver, WA for about 27.4 miles. As you reach Beacon Rock, turn left onto Kueffler Road (Beware of oncoming traffic!). From the east, drive SR 14 west from either Stevenson, WA or from the north end of the Bridge of the Gods for approximately 7 miles and turn right onto Kueffler Road. Follow paved Kueffler Road uphill for about 1.1 miles and veer right onto a narrow gravel road (Signed for the Equestrian Trailhead), following that for 0.3 miles into the large gravelled parking area. Display your Washington Discover Pass before leaving your vehicle!
Comprehensive plant list for Hardy Ridge & Phlox Point as accessed via the Equestrian Trails
Comprehensive plant list for Hamilton Mountain
April 8, 2016: Hardy Ridge Trail loop accessed from the Equestrian Trailhead
April 20, 2015: Phlox Point atop Hardy Ridge, accessed from the Equestrian Trailhead
May 14, 2014: Hardy Ridge Trail loop accessed from the Equestrian Trailhead
Hardy Ridge: Northwest Wildflowers
Equestrian Trailhead: Beacon Rock State Park - Description of popular destinations from this trailhead.
Hardy Ridge Trailhead: Oregonhikers.org - Directions and requirements
Hardy Ridge Loop Hike: OregonHikers.org - Loop hike from the Equestrian trailhead up and over Hardy Ridge.
Upper Hardy Creek Loop Hike: OregonHikers.org - Equestrian trailhead to the saddle at the north end of Hamilton Mountain.
Hamilton-Hardy Loop Hike: OregonHikers.org - A longer loop hike with more elevation gain from the equestrian trailhead up and over Hamilton Mountain, then descending to Hardy Creek, climbing the ridge first via the Bridge Trail then climbing over Hardy Ridge via the Hardy Ridge Trail and then descending back to the equestrian trailhead.
Hardy Ridge Loop: Friends of the Columbia Gorge - Loop hike from the equestrian trailhead up and over Hardy Ridge.
Beacon Rock State Park - Hardy Ridge: Washington Trails Association - Loop hike from the equestrian trailhead up and over Hardy Ridge.
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The view at left shows a view looking southeast from Hardy Ridge towards Bonneville Dam in the distance, Beacon Rock State Park.....May 14, 2014. Spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa) adorns the rocky ridgetop here. The photo at right shows a view downhill along Hardy Ridge from near Phlox Point, Beacon Rock State Park....May 14, 2014.
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