Hamilton Mountain Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Continual steeps, challenging footing, and lots of exposure make this a run only for the bold.

The Hamilton Mountain Trail begins by immediately thrusting runners into a beautiful forest of Douglas fir, from which they must climb steadily to a power-line clearing. This broad clearing provides the first views into the Columbia River Gorge and the nearby Bonneville Dam before the trail dives back into the trees.

At roughly a mile from the trailhead, Hardy Creek feeds a trio of closely spaced waterfalls. Up first, a brief connector trail brings runners to a somewhat-limited view of Hardy Falls. Ahead, another connector climbs to a guard-railed viewpoint overlooking Pool of the Winds and Rodney Falls. Back on the main trail, the Hardy Creek Bridge curves near the base of Rodney Falls for a close view that's complete with cooling spray.

After the bridge, a series of switchbacks brings the trail to an intersection with the Hardy Creek Trail. In the warmer months, this section fills with ferns, Oregon grape, and thimbleberries. And in the fall, the yellow leaves of maple trees contrast nicely with the bold green of fir. Keep right at the junction to remain on the "more difficult" Hamilton Mountain Trail.

Soon, the trail passes beneath towering columns of basalt as it climbs to the top along tightly packed switchbacks. The steep climb is rewarded by sweeping views from the edge of a cliff face. This area is referred to as "Little Hamilton Mountain" by locals.

From here, the trail heads to the left before returning to the crest of the ridge, where it alternates between narrow ridgelines and tight switchbacks as it climbs to the summit of Hamilton Mountain. At the top, a short spur trail veers right to the actual summit.

To the left, the trail descends the ridgeline on its way to "The Saddle." This viewpoint provides even better views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Table Mountain, Bonneville Dam, and the Columbia River. It's the end of the Hamilton Mountain Trail and a great spot to enjoy lunch if the wind is cooperating.

This content was contributed by the Friends of the Columbia Gorge. To find more runs they recommend and to learn about their efforts to support the Columbia Gorge, click here.