Tier 1: Beacon Rock Hike, Paddle, and Picnic

Note: A daily ($10) or annual ($30) Washington Discovery Pass is required for parking and launching here. Passes are available on site or can also be purchased in advance online. I encourage carpooling to save on passes.

This event combines a hike, a paddle, and a picnic. You are welcome to join for the hike only, the paddle and picnic only (see below when and where to meet us), or all of it.

Last year we discovered a lovely beach on Ives Island, so we will disembark there half-way through the paddle and have a picnic lunch before returning to the dock.

We will paddle the side channel of the Columbia between the Washington side and Pierce and Ives Islands. This section of the river is much calmer than the main channel. If you want to skip the climb and only join us for the kayaking portion, meet us around 11:00 at the Beacon Rock Boat Launch (keep in mind that depending on how long it takes us to climb, we might arrive earlier or later).

More info about the park can be found here:
Beacon Rock SP

Estimated schedule:
9:30AM Meet at the Beacon Rock trailhead
9:30-11:00 Hike up the rock, admire the views, return to your vehicle
11:00-11:05 Drive to the Beacon Rock Boat Launch (1.3 miles, 4 minutes)
11:05-11:30 Inflate the boats
11:30-1:30 Paddle and picnic
1:30-2:00 Pack up

SUP's, canoes, and hard-shell kayaks are welcome.

What to bring:

• Discovery Pass (or purchase a $10 day pass when you arrive)
• Sturdy hiking shoes if hiking up the rock
• A kayak or SUP
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and whatever else you need to keep safe
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sun protection
• Water and snacks.
• Picnic blanket and lunch

Please support our group: Consider helping us run the group by making a small ($5-$10) donation once per season, more if you are using our equipment. All collected funds will be used for the annual Meetup fee and for purchases of loaner equipment. To donate, please give cash to the event host, or send it via Venmo to @JackBaikov (if it asks for last 4 digits of phone number, they are 7191). Thank you!

A quick reminder that Meetup organizers are unpaid volunteers and claim no special expertise or knowledge. We will paddle as a group but ultimately you are responsible for your own experience, safety and decision-making.