Are there fees or permits required for Hardy Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $10.00. A permit is also required. A Discover Pass is required for parking at Beacon Rock State Park.

Is swimming allowed at Hardy Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hardy Falls.

Hardy Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hardy Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Hardy Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Beacon Rock SP · SPR

Photo Credits (5)

GRI SHA CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Frank Fujimoto CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

ahockley CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

nwpuzzlr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

7.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

2,000 ft

About Hardy Falls

Hardy Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. It is part of the Hardy Creek drainage and is known for its lush surroundings and serene atmosphere. The waterfall is often visited in conjunction with Rodney Falls, which is nearby.

The Setting

Hardy Falls sits at 863 feet within Beacon Rock, fed by the Wind River, in the foothills of Washington.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Elowah Falls (213 ft) lies 2.3 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Wahclella Falls (65 ft, 3.5 mi).

Elowah Falls Wahclella Falls

Trail & Hike Details

7.5 mi distance 2,000 ft climbed

The Approach

The hard 7.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 2,000 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Hardy Falls is part of the Hamilton Mountain Trail, which is a challenging hike with significant elevation gain. The trail passes through dense forest, offering views of Hardy Falls and Rodney Falls along the way. The path can be steep and rocky in sections, so proper footwear is recommended.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hardy Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $10.00
Permit required
A Discover Pass is required for parking at Beacon Rock State Park.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hardy Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Hardy Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery after rain, and there are steep drop-offs in some areas. Use caution and stay on the marked trail. Carry enough water and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WIND RIVER NEAR CARSON, WA (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

141 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

161 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

150 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

140 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

140 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

151 cfs

3/10

Wed

Low

157 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

172 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to mid April, peaking in February.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near North Bonneville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 277 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 759 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 332 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 58 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Hardy Falls near North Bonneville, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hardy Falls near North Bonneville, Washington, showing about 277 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 759 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 277 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Hardy Falls is located within Beacon Rock State Park, which is accessible via State Route 14 in the Columbia River Gorge. The trailhead for Hardy Falls is near the parking area for the Hamilton Mountain Trail.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Beacon Rock State Park trailhead. A Discover Pass is required to park here.

Elevation

863 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.642339° N, -122.015639° W

Land Management

Beacon Rock SP

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike can be physically demanding. Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly in the Columbia River Gorge.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 7.5 miles trail gains 2,000 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE

4.1 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with opportu

Book on Recreation.gov