Strawberry Island Loop Hike
Strawberry Island, North Bonneville, WA, USA
Dawn to dusk
$
hikes
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The Strawberry Island Loop Hike circles 3.2 miles around Hamilton Island, providing beautiful views of the Columbia River Gorge.
This trail is suitable for all ages. There is very little elevation gain (165 feet), and the trail is clear and well-marked. Dogs are allowed on a leash and restrooms at the trailhead. Parking is plentiful and free, though depending on which route you take to get here, you may need $2 to pay the toll on Bridge of the Gods.
Hamilton Island was described as Strawberry Island in the journals of Lewis & Clark due to the abundance of strawberry runners there. However, it was renamed Hamilton Island in 1850 when Samuel Hamilton took ownership. Interestingly, it’s also not an island – it’s connected to the Washington side of the gorge, which is how you’ll access it to begin your hike at the Strawberry Island Trailhead.
Take a right at the trailhead to head toward the Rail Pond. You’ll get beautiful views of Hamilton Mountain, Table Mountain, and Aldrich Butte. At the junction, keep straight. As you continue, you’ll be passing the pond on your left. You can go right for a little detour to Clark’s Viewpoint at the next junction. This provides a splendid view of Beacon Rock. Return from the viewpoint and go right. The pond will still be on your left, and you’ll get to see some of Washington’s mountains if skies are clear enough. Go right along the “Fishing Access Road at the next junction.” This will take you down to the shore of the Columbia River, and you’ll be looking across the water at Oregon. You’ll soon come to a parking area and the Hamilton Island Trailhead.
From here, star uphill along the Bench Trail. Go right at the next junction, and then shortly later, you’ll take a left to continue uphill. Once at the top of the hill, you’ll have splendid views all around and several benches to stop for a rest. Once you’re ready to carry on, continue along the Bench Trail heading east. You’ll come to a four-way junction. Here, continue straight across. You’ll descend the hill gradually and round the island's eastern tip to return to your starting point.