[image by gridplane, flickr]

Angel’s Rest is the perfect trail when you need a quick hike with a little workout and great views of the Gorge. Just 20 minutes away, the trail climbs 1,540 feet in 2.2 miles to a rocky promontory jutting over the Columbia.

Start your hike by wandering through mixed forests that mute the sound of the interstate below. You’ll pass Coopey Falls in the first half mile or so, then the trees begin to open up and reveal ever more beautiful views of the river. You’ll want a camera, and besides, it?s a good excuse to catch your breath. As you gain elevation, the highway becomes visible far below; cars and trucks crawl slowly by as if to emphasize the scale of the mile-wide river and Washington hills beyond.

Keep going. You’ll enter a burn area with beautiful silver snags, and rising above it, your objective looms tauntingly. But you’re closer than you think. Loop around the ridge, cross a picturesque talus slope (go straight to find the trail), sweep up through a fun little scramble and wham! You’re there.

The top of Angel’s Rest is a broad open platform with sheer drops on three sides. The wind can be pretty strong up here, but a bench provides a nice picnic spot, and the views are incredible. On clear days, Portland’s west hills and the radio towers are visible to the west, and Mt. Adams peeks above the ridges overlooking Beacon Rock to the east.

Look almost straight down and marvel at how high up you are. Rest your legs a while, and when you’ve had your fill of sun and spectacular scenery, return the way you came.

Getting to Angel’s Rest is easy. Take Exit 28 (Bridal veil) off I84 and park at the lot right at the intersection with the Columbia River Highway. The trail head is across the road.

Angel’s Rest can be hiked year-round. In the summer, its proximity to Portland makes it a popular hike, so don’t expect solitude. If that’s what you’re after, hit the trail head by 8 am on a weekday and you’ll likely hike alone. You’ll also be back in town by early afternoon for a pint of micro brew and lunch. Trilliums bloom in the spring and the fall colors are marvelous. On clear winter days you’ll usually have the trail to yourself. Last winter, I met another hiker at the top. In his mid-sixties, he was breaking in a new pair of boots. “These should last another decade,” he said. “The last pair of boots I’ll ever need to buy.” We spoke for a while and fell silent, standing there together, squinting our eyes against the cold east wind.

Article By Jason Weeks, Borrowed Times

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