A Mazama Film

Directed by Adam Baylor / Produced by Jeff Thomas / Director of Photography Sean O'Connor

About The Project

Beacon Rock, located in the Columbia River Gorge, is a 55-million-year-old volcano core. It is a monolith that has magnetized climbers, such as the Mazamas, for more than a century.  

This short, documentary film, Beacon Rock: Then & Now, explores three epic first ascents of the 854-foot wonderland.  Production of the film was made possible by the generous support of the Mazamas and many Beacon Rock dirtbags. Join storytellers and climbers as they weave together tales from the past forever captured in this cinematic journey.  (18 min., 13 sec.)

Adam Baylor, Director
Jeff Thomas, Executive Producer
Sean O'Connor, Director of Photography
Sean O'Connor.

O’Connor making his way up Beacon during the filming of the Dods Jam scene with Mark Hudon and John Fine.

Mark Hudon.

Mark Hudon enjoying blue M&M Peanut candies as his one stipulation for agreeing to climb Dods Jam eight times in a day for filming purposes.

Filming.

Local videographers used state of the art equipment to capture the imagery and story of Beacon Rock.  

John Fine and Mark Hudon.

John Fine and Mark Hudon take a break on Big Ledge.

Sean O’Connor and Andy Maser.

Sean O’Connor and Andy Maser hang out with Jeff Thomas while filming the Dods Jam scene.