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Angel's Rest Lookout

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (21) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. OR
  3. …Columbia Gorge
  4. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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“A Forested ascent and rock scramble to a beautiful overlook of the Columbia River Gorge. ”

Andrew Martz
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Map Key

4.1

Miles

6.6

KM

Out and Back

1,600' 488 m

High

159' 48 m

Low

1,441' 439 m

Up

1,439' 439 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (8°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Portions of this trail are very exposed, keep a close eye on children and pets.

Overview

A great out-and-back that climbs up to Angel's Rest to bask in the views. This is a very popular hike so you'll almost certainly have plenty of company on the trail and at the top. The views are well worth enduring the crowds!

Description

The Angel's Rest Trail starts gradually through a lush forest that is dotted with wildflowers in the spring and glows with the changing color of leaves in the fall. The broad path soon narrows to easily manageable singletrack with a little rock mixed in.

The trail is full of interesting points, like a rocky section that provides a great view of the river as it cuts across a beautiful mossy slope. This viewpoint leads into a section of close growing vegetation that creates the pleasant impression of a tunnel during the growing months. Ahead you'll soon reach Coopey Falls as it musically cascades over 150'.

Continuing on, the trail begins to moderately steepen as it heads towards a series of tightly clustered switchbacks. Just past the switchbacks is a boulder field traverse that lets you know your close to the top of the hike. Make sure to investigate the views behind you before moving on.

A final switchback brings the trail to the junction with the Viewpoint Spur. Looking straight ahead will reveal the long line of tall cliffs that make up Angel's Rest. As you traverse along the spur there's just one small scramble section between you and the edge of the outcropping. Get ready to enjoy the excellent views of the Columbia Gorge you've earned.

It goes without saying that Angel's Rest makes a fine spot to enjoy lunch. When you're ready to head back down, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

Spring wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge are, ahem, gorgeous.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Mt. Hood National Forest Office

Shared By:

Andrew Martz
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 21 votes

#3

in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

#610

Overall
  4.3 from 21 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Columbia River Gorge N…

#14

in Oregon

#610

Overall
33 Views Last Month
2,705 Since Jul 2, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Coopey Falls
Jul 2, 2015 near Bridal…, OR
Columbia Gorge from Angel's Rest Viewpoint
Jul 2, 2015 near Bridal…, OR
Angel's Rest, May 04, 2016
May 4, 2016 near Bridal…, OR
Angel's Rest with rain coming in.
May 2, 2017 near Bridal…, OR
En route to Angel's Rest.
Jul 2, 2015 near Bridal…, OR
Angel's Rest Lookout
Jul 19, 2019 near Bridal…, OR

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Check-Ins

Mar 12, 2020
Sean Gilbert
5.3mi — 2h 17m
Feb 29, 2020
Ian G
Bethany, Oren and I. February Hike
Jan 24, 2020
Ryan Potter
Fantastic hike. Great views. Was muddy, trail has a decent grade. Still doable for all skills levels, take breaks if you need. The top is worth it. 4.2mi — 2h 10m
Jan 20, 2020
Alice Pence
4.4mi
Sep 1, 2019
Stephen Williams
Aug 9, 2019
Greg and Rebekka Itzstein
4.1mi — 10h 30m
Jul 14, 2019
Manning Schmidt
3 hrs 10 min hike with 20 minutes at the top. Whole family enjoyed it. — 3h 10m
Jul 5, 2019
ALLISON Frazier
4.6mi — 2h 15m

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