Trip Report: Angels Rest Hike in the Columbia Gorge

We went to the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon to hike Angels Rest, which offers stunning views of the gorge and its surrounding scenery. This was a 4.6-mile round-trip hike which was challenging with the steep uphill, and many wet rocks. I did this with my partner and her dog on an early spring morning.

There is a parking lot at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If the parking lot is full, you can park on the side of the Historic Columbia River Highway, but that is more of a pain. We arrived on a weekday, so it was not too crowded, and we were able to get one of the last spots in the lot. It was also a rainy day, which often can thin the crowds a bit.

The trailhead is located at the Angels Rest Trailhead parking lot, which is clearly marked with a sign. There are restrooms available at the trailhead. We had to cross the street to get to the trailhead from the parking lot, but after that, the trail was clear, heading up into the gorge. The trail begins with a moderate climb through a lush forest of fir and maple trees. The trail is well-maintained and marked with signs, but it can be rocky and steep in some places. As you climb higher, the views of the gorge become more and more spectacular. The day we did it, as previously mentioned, was rainy, but that added to the views, with clouds parting, and giving passing views of the valley below as we climbed higher.

Once you reach the summit, there are great views of the Gorge, and the mountains around, as well as the Columbia River at the bottom of it all. There are several rocky outcroppings that offer different vantage points, so it is worth poking around for different vantage points, just be careful, since in places there are large drops.

While I would not rate this hike as dangerous, it is important to think of a couple things before going. It's good to hike with a partner, carry plenty of water and snacks, and dress in layers. The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for changes in temperature and weather conditions. It could have easily snowed if it had been a little colder which could have greatly added to the slip factor. There is beautiful vegetation everywhere as well, so it is important to not trample or destroy the vegetation, and adhere to Leave No Trace principles, so as to keep it nice for everyone who goes on the trail after you.

After the hike, there are other attractions in the area, such as Multnomah Falls or Bridal Veil Falls. There are also several wineries and breweries in the area that offer tastings and tours. Old Route 30 is a great way to return to Portland, with a slower, but more scenic way to get back home.

Overall, hiking Angels Rest is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon. The views are truly stunning, and the hike is a great way to get some exercise for you (and any dog friends) and start to explore all the Columbia Gorge has to offer.