Angels Rest Hiking Oregon

Angel’s Rest Trail in Columbia River Gorge

Angel’s Rest Trail starts from Historic Columbia River Highway, just off Interstate 84, and rises 1,500 feet over a 4.8-mile round trip hike.

It's a moderately challenging hike, with a 1,450-foot elevation gain. This trail is possible for any level of hiker because of its brevity, but the hiker should be warned of incline. Less experienced hikers will feel the challenge of this hike and will be well rewarded at the end by that amazing view.

·         Start point: Angel's Rest Trailhead

·         Hike Type: Out and Back

·         Distance: 4.8 miles round trip

·         Elevation gain: 1450 feet

·         Difficulty: Moderate

Angel's Rest is an exposed bluff on the Western end of the Columbia River Gorge. This summit is characterized by a long, rocky spine surrounded on three sides by cliffs, boasting a striking 270-degree view! While you can't see any of the Cascade volcanoes from the top, you do get great vantages of Beacon Rock, Silver Star Mountain and many other landmarks.

 Coopey Falls

This hike is a winding trail (#415) on the western end of the Columbia River Gorge that takes you up to great views. It starts at about river level and quickly climbs up through trees and then over boulders before rising to a bluff above the river.

The trail passes two waterfalls along the way, an overhead view of Coopey Falls and a quick detour to smaller Upper Coopey Falls. The forest expanses surrounding the summit burned in a fire back in 1991, and lots of charred evidence remains. It is a unique landscape - one quite varied from other locales in the Gorge.

How To Reach: Getting to the Angel’s Rest Trailhead is very simple. Just drive east on I-84 from Portland and take exit 28 for Bridal Veil. The trailhead is on your right when you reach an intersection with an interstate access road, only 0.2 miles after you exit the highway. Park at the trailhead and you will see the trail sign that signifies the start of the trail just across the road.

Coming from the west, take Interstate 84 east of Hood River for 28 miles to exit 35. Proceed east on Historic Columbia River Highway for 7.3 miles, finding the trailhead parking on the right just past the intersection with Bridal Veil Road.