Beacon Rock Golf Course, in North Bonneville, WA, is a simple, little 9 hole course, but has a grand setting within the Columia River Gorge. Set just off the north bank of the Columbia, peaceful scenery and a casual environment contribute to a parkland feel and the enjoyment of some recreational golf. Visible on both statesides, are the respective towering walls of the river canyon, composed of forest and rock slabs. The namesake Beacon Rock also comes into brief perspective at times; standing over 800 feet high, this rock is the surviving core of an ancient volcano swept away in ice-age flooding. And while Beacon Rock may not sweep you away, scenic earthscapes, refreshing breezes, and good company is all it may take to ensure a return.
Beacon Rock Golf Course is built on flat ground, despite it’s rugged surroundings. The courses short design caters to the less experienced, but there are some tricky and tight hole layouts that will demand the focus of all. Namely, trees and bending fairways come together to create what is Beacon Rock’s most challenging attribute. This can be combatted with conservative club selection thanks to the shorter distances, but a couple of holes are tight throughout. Greenside trees can also interfere on approach shots if one doesn’t position themselves correctly. There’s water on only a few of the holes, but it’s surely in play where it does exist. There are no sand traps. The greens provide a respectable putting surface with flat to average sloping, average speeds and a relatively true roll. Beacon Rock regularly cuts a “family size” hole into every green, in addition to the standard cup, to further encourage the carefree, recreational approach to the enjoyment of golf in this pleasant setting.
