Glorious, peaceful October is upon us. Little rain, abundant sun, and pleasant temperatures have had me chomping to get my boots dirty. This weekend I hiked around ten miles at Beacon Rock State Park. The sun peaked through the cloudy-fog veil all through the day. It was marvelous.

Lewis and Clark found and named Beacon Rock during their epic journey. It rises 850 feet above the Gorge on the Washington side.

(a view half-way)

Here's Beacon Rock from the Hamilton Mt. trail, which rises another 2400 feet northwest.

From the summit of Hamilton Mountain. Mt. St. Helen's from one direction.

And Mt. Hood from the other direction. I ate lunch in the "saddle" view between the two mountains.