8.9 miles of hiking • 2500' elevation gain •
It was a beautiful sunny day, and even a bit cold at Beacon Rock State Park, but the east wind was nothing short of brutal! We arrived at the ridge via the eastern access, and the wind gusts were enough to turn us back at the first rock outcropping. I'd estimate gusts at 50+mph!!! My backpack cover was almost ripped off and my hat just shot off my head (chin strap saved it from blowing away). Plenty of ice heaving on the trail, and the view of Table Mt. revealed ice on the cliffs. Our clothing kept us warm, and resisted the wind very well, but we were in constant alert for flying branches! Only saw 3 groups of people!