Rodney Falls & Pool of the Winds

Rodney Falls is a waterfall on Hardy Creek, tucked into the forested side of Hamilton Mountain in Beacon Rock State Park. Its upper water funnels into the Pool of the Winds, a pool set inside a narrow rock chamber. The current swirls through the slot and kicks spray back toward the opening. That close-up chamber is what makes this more than another waterfall lookout: you can peer into the moving water from a railed viewpoint beside it.

The Hamilton Mountain trail crosses smaller creeks and cascades before reaching an overlook of Hardy Falls, a separate nearby waterfall. Continue to Rodney Falls. A short signed spur climbs to the Pool of the Winds; the main trail drops to a wide footbridge at the base of Rodney Falls, then continues uphill toward Hamilton Mountain. You can turn around at the pool or keep climbing. Very high water can make the pool viewpoint unreachable, and the spray can soak the viewing area. For a photo, frame the dark rock opening with the falling water and spray from behind the handrail. When sunlight reaches the chamber at the right angle, a rainbow may appear in the spray.

This isn't a roadside stop: the approach is a sustained uphill forest walk, with most of the elevation gain in the first mile. The pool spur is short, but the waterfall is roughly a mile or more from Hamilton Mountain Trailhead. Published round-trip totals differ, so check the park map for the route you plan to follow and the turnaround you want. A Discover Pass is required at Beacon Rock State Park. The lower trailhead has parking for about 30 cars, flush toilets and picnic tables; dogs must be leashed. Check the park's trail alerts for current Hamilton Mountain access before you go.