Looking for good views, nice trails, quiet beaches and a quaint lighthouse? No need to head to the coast – just drive out to Sauvie Island.

The Warrior Rock Lighthouse, officially the smallest lighthouse in Oregon, is found at the northern tip of Sauvie Island near Portland, serving as a beacon for ships on the Columbia River and a landmark for anyone who hikes out to see it.

The lighthouse was built at the end of the 19th century, commissioned by the U.S. government to help ships avoid a large bedrock reef jutting out from the island, according to various articles and histories published over the years.

And while the Warrior Rock Lighthouse has long since been automated (and closed to the public), it remains a fascinating landmark on an already beautiful hike along the Columbia River. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’ll reveal how, where and when to go see it.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

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