Beacon Rock

Basaltic rock dome near the Columbia River. This is a very popular rock climbing site, with routes that go from the base all the way to the top. There is also an easy 1 mile hiking trail that uses multiple stairs, ledges and bridges to climb to the top of the rock. Going here just to rappel is a bit goofy.

Park at the turnout near the bathrooms at the base of the dome. From here several hiking trails extend around and up the Beacon rock. Canyoneers will want to hike to the top of the rock and rappel down from there. Rock climbers will want to climb to the top and then use the trail to come back down. Hikers can enjoy the easy but spectacular hike up to the top.

There are multiple anchors installed on established rock climbing routes, their locations are documented on rock climbing books and some rock climbing websites (see beta section). A detailed Rock Climbing Routes Map can be purchased for $5 from http://www.portlandrockclimbs.com/. Some basic safety tips for this descent: The descent is basically a multistage 650ft-800ft rappel, depending on what face you choose:

Once down at the bottom just walk back to the car.