The view from the toll bridge is worth the 75 cents it costs to cross it. Parking at the base of the rock is only a few miles to the west. At the bottom, hikers will find little difference between Beacon Rock and any other trail. But the dark, wooded terrain quickly gives way to open air and spectacular views. Liberal picture-takers with itchy trigger fingers will find it hard to make it to the top with film left in their camera.
Some hikers never make it.
That's not to say the trek to the top is particularly grueling. The real struggle is keeping your eyes on the trail. Birds flutter in branches above you while thousands of trees provide a kaleidoscope effect as you walk. Bird watchers also may have their fancy tickled. Falcons, red-tailed hawks and bald eagles all are known to nest in different locations on Beacon Rock, Johnson said.