We arrived at the trailhead and ponied up the five bucks to access the park.  We also took a little time to read a little history on this ancient volcanic plug.  "Beacon Rock" was originally named by Lewis and Clark on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean on October 31, 1805. It was near Beacon Rock that they first measured tidal influences from the ocean on the Columbia River.  In 1811, Alexander Ross of the John Jacob Astor expedition called the rock "Inoshoack Castle." The rock was known as "Castle Rock" until, in 1916, the United States Board of Geographic Names restored the name "Beacon Rock."  I don't know why.

I loaded Amber up in our Piggyback and off we went, climbing high into the woods surrounding the plug.  Of course, since you are always out in the open when climbing such an obstruction, the views are a constant companion.

The day was brisk but with Amber on my back, it heated up quickly.  We stopped periodically to see all the pretty scenery. 

With the kayakers out on the Columbia, it gave me something to ponder as I went around the sometimes wooden trail.  With the lack of any type of breeze, I was starting to heat up excessively.

After topping out, we took some summit pictures and celebrated a fine day as a family.  Amber was already busy, on the lookout for bugs and that kind of thing.

She managed to find a little squirrel used to people, and most likely, the local bum looking for a handout.

A few more summit pictures were taken as good times were had by all.  We soon headed down, back to the car.  We chatted briefly about what our next adventure could be, but I can't help to wonder if the "fam" really likes the outdoors as much, or the way, I do.

After the hike, there is nothing more to do than to stop by Widmer and have some very fine food and a microbrew for me.

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