Vicinity Location: 26 miles east of Portland, Oregon in the Columbia River National Scenic Area.
Directions:
From Portland, take I-84 east to the Historic Highway cutoff, Bridal Veil exit # 28. The first parking lot is at the intersection of the cutoff road and the Historic Columbia River Highway. The second parking lot is just west of the intersection. The trailhead is south of the Historic Columbia River Highway, opposite the junction with the interstate access road in Bridal veil. From the overflow parking lot, take the trail at the north end of the parking lot.
Travelling westbound on I-84 from the Bonneville Dam, take Ainsworth State Park exit # 35 and follow the Historic Columbia River Highway for 7.1 miles (11.4 km).
No permits are required for parking.
No outhouse is available at the trailhead. The closest restrooms are .8 miles west at Bridal Veil Falls State Park.
Parking is very crowded on weekends. The parking lots usually fill before 9am on weekends and the parking along the road fills up too.
Length and Elevation:
4.5 Miles, Elevation gain 1,100 feet. Total gain and loss totals 2,200 feet.
Trail:
Angel’s Rest Trail #415. Connects to Wahkeena Falls Trail #420.
There is at least one geocache along this trail at: N 45° 33.801 W 122° 09.022 Info at Geocaching.com
Trail Maps:
Topo Map, National Forest Service Map, Download Garmin .gpx file
Review: July 7th, 2004, October 12th 2007, June 7, 2008, November 25, 2018
This is a well maintained trail that is heavily used. The trail is nice and wide most of the way to Angel’s Rest. The first part of the trail is pretty gentle. After about ¼ mile, you cross a rock field with a view of the Gorge, freeway, river, and pasture. Across the river you can see Cape Horn and Highway 14.
The trail passes Coopey Creek Falls. Most of the view is obscured by brush and trees. There is a large fir tree on the left side of a trail that marks a little trail that gives you an okay view of a small waterfall on Coopey Creek. The trail becomes rather steep and slippery, so you might decide the view isn’t worth the risk. In mid-April you’ll see hundreds of trillium in the forest along the trail. Later the cow parsnips, columbine, and monkshood appear.
The trail leaves Coopey Creek and starts switchbacking up the mountain. The understory becomes brushier as the cover from big trees lessens. The trail enters an area that was burned by a forest fire in 1991 and again in 2017. Skeletal trees still remain and the fire opened up views of the Gorge and allow light for new plants to grow. After several more switchbacks there is a scree field of large, mostly flat rocks to cross. The trail only gains a little elevation crossing the rocks. To cross the rocks and find the trail, follow the foot worn dirty rocks. This can be a nice spot to stop for lunch if the east winds are gusting. This section also has the poison oak in and next to the trail.
Near the top is a trail junction to Devil’s Rest. Turn left and climb over the rocks to Angel’s Rest. There is a small place where you have to climb up the rocks to get to Angel’s Rest. On Angel’s rest you’ll see wild roses, iris, and other wildflowers. Go around the corner and there is an overlook of the Gorge with a bench with a dedication on it. The website for this memorial bench says “Sue loved the Columbia River Gorge and all the outdoor activities the Gorge offers. The Gorge was her favorite weekend destination as she was an avid windsurfer and hiker and enjoyed camping. Angel’s Rest offers a spectacular view of the place she loved and is a fitting spot for her memorial bench.
Since Angel’s Rest has a commanding view of the Gorge, you might want to choose another hike on a really windy day or continue in the woods towards Devil’s Rest or Wahkeena spring.
The trail is safe for small children as long as you keep them away from the cliffs at Angel’s Rest. Be sure to avoid the poison oak. Remember that your dog can get the poison oak on their fur and then rub it onto you.
This is a dog happy trail! There were at least 20 dogs hiking with their owners on the trail this weekend day. Please don’t leave your dog poop bags on the trail or at the trailhead.
Enjoy the photos!!
Gallery Pics
Switchback Steve
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