Beacon Rock State Park is a prime example of Washington’s complicated and rich conservation history. Beacon Rock, the world’s second largest monolith from which the park takes its name, was first named by Lewis & Clark in 1805, was first climbed in 1901, and was almost destroyed by the Army Corps of Engineers a few decades later before it was gifted to the state by the family of Henry Biddle. Biddle had bought the rock out because he wanted to build a trail.
To this day, the park offers some of the best climbing in the region and is an incredibly popular destination among campers, rock climbers and school groups. That is why the Coalition is advocating for funding that would expand access to the park and bring in much-needed new revenue.
The Coalition is proud to be working with our community partners to support this iconic park, including Beacon Rock Climbing Association (BRCA).
“The Beacon Rock Climbing Association as well as the Mazamas support [the Coalition’s] efforts simply because we all want to see positive and sustainable changes for the most iconic place in the Columbia River Gorge,” said Adam Baylor, president of BRCA and operations manager for Mazamas Mountaineering.
If funded, a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant would allow a new kitchen shelter to be constructed in the park where there currently is none. This would provide the park with a valuable new revenue source through the sales of Discover Passes and event space rentals.
Projects like this draw in new visitors and ensure our parks have the resources they need to remain open for all families to enjoy. With your support, the Coalition will continue to advocate for these valuable community gathering places.
Photo courtesy of Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.