River to Rock Trail

River to Rock is a 1.5-mile out-and-back from the Woodard Creek footbridge on Moorage Road to the west end of Beacon Rock Trailhead. It gains about 272 feet and is an easy-to-moderate walk. Allow about 50 minutes to an hour with a short look at the lake. This is a pleasant connector from the river side to Beacon Rock’s main trailhead, but it does not climb the Rock itself. Continue on the separate Beacon Rock Trail if the summit is your goal.

Cross the short footbridge and climb a few switchbacks before the path settles into a gradual northward rise through Douglas fir, alder, vine maple, huckleberry and ferns. A century-old filbert orchard hints at the land’s earlier use. Near a mossy brick structure of unknown origin and a walnut tree, an unmarked fork circles seasonal Riddell Lake. Take the left, west-side branch for the better view of Beacon Rock through the trees; the forks rejoin at the lake’s north end. The path passes under power lines, climbs slightly, then descends to State Route 14 at the west end of Beacon Rock’s trailhead parking area. Expect a shaded woodland walk and brief views through the trees, not a big open summit vista.

Park in the large lot on Moorage Road just before it crosses Woodard Creek; the bridge is the trail entrance. Retrace the route for the listed out-and-back distance. At the north end, you can also walk east through the parking area to the bulletin board at Beacon Rock Trail’s start, but that continuation is outside this trail’s mapped line. Day-use parking requires a Discover Pass, dogs must be leashed, and park trails are open 8 AM to dusk. Restrooms are at the boat launch and at the far end of Beacon Rock Trailhead parking, not along the forested section. The footbridge can be removed during high water; check access if the creek is running high.