How to Get to Angel’s Rest Hike

Angel’s Rest is one of the great Oregon hikes, & it’s one of the most popular hikes in the Columbia River Gorge.  Being close to downtown Portland & relatively short ~ it’s great for people of all fitness levels, as well as kids & dogs.  At the top, you’ll get gorgeous views of the Gorge, & if you’re feeling extra energetic, continue up to Devil’s Rest (though the view is MUCH better at Angel’s Rest).  Read on to find out how to get to Angel’s Rest hike! 

**Author’s Note: Article updated as of December 2022.

Find out how to get to Angel’s Rest hike here & check out photos of the trail!

Map of Angel’s Rest Hike

Angel’s Rest Info & Photos

Now that we’ve figured out how to get to Angel’s Rest, let’s talk about the hike itself.  The trail heads straight up from the road, right across from the Angel’s Rest parking lot.  You’re gaining 1,400 feet over a couple miles, meaning it’s a good, solid incline ~ but it won’t kill you.  You’ll wind through the pretty, shaded forest, past a few streams, & eventually find your way to a rocky outcrop: where you’ll start to have views.  Once you’ve reached the rocks, you’re almost there. 

The view at Angel’s Rest.

When you reach the rocky outcrop, you’re almost at the top!

Once you’re at the top, you’ll have to climb around some large boulders in order to get the best views of the Gorge.  Be careful with children & dogs in this area, especially if you’re climbing on top of any of the rocks.  Dylan stayed behind while we climbed some of them ~ & actually hid under one, as you can see in the photo below! 

Dylan finds some much-needed shade at the top!

Stunning views.

Hold onto your dogs & kids at the top!

I’ve climbed Angel’s Rest in the winter at sunset, & it was one of my favorite hikes.  There was hardly anyone on the trail, & though it was slippery, the sublime sunset views at the top were absolutely worth it, with their pink & purple hues.  Its accessibility, close proximity to Portland, & insane views make it one of my absolute favorite winter hikes in Oregon.

Consider hiking Angel’s Rest during the wintertime: you’ll find less people & stunning views like this..

Though it can be a little slippery in spots: Angel’s Rest is one of my favorite winter hikes in Oregon.

Where to Stay & Drink

After hiking Angel’s Rest, stop off at McMenamins Edgefield, located en route back to Portland.  It’s right off I-84, & the sprawling property is vintage Oregon: there’s a hotel, the Ruby Spa, a golf course, restaurants, micro-brews, & plenty of Oregon quirkiness.  You have to just GO there: I can’t fully explain how wonderful this place is; you must see it to believe it.

If you’re in the area: you HAVE to visit Edgefield. It’s not just a bar….it’s not just a hotel: it’s an EXPERIENCE.

Great Hikes Nearby

If you still have energy after Angel’s Rest, continue on to Devil’s Rest.  The views aren’t great, but you will get more exercise.  Other hikes by Angel’s Rest include Latourell Falls & Wahkeena Falls (both shorter & easier).  Serious hikers can hike Larch Mountain: an intense, 14-mile climb that starts at Multnomah Falls, & ends with one of the best views in the Gorge. 

Or if you’re on the Washington side of the Gorge, located almost directly across from Angel’s Rest is one of my favorite hikes: the Cape Horn Trail.

How to Get to Angel’s Rest Hike

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on hiking Angel’s Rest, one of the classic Columbia River Gorge hikes.  If you have any questions about hiking in this area, please ask me in the comments below : )

Happy Adventuring! 

xoxo Noelia 

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