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 on 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!
Find out how to get to Angel’s Rest hike here!
Eagle Creek Fire Update
The devastating Eagle Creek Fire that occurred in the Columbia River Gorge on September 2nd, 2017, affected Angel’s Rest hike ~ but fortunately, Angel’s Rest hike RE-OPENED in November 2018.
How to Get to Angel’s Rest Hike!
Angel's Rest
Directions to Angel’s Rest
Directions from Downtown Portland
Distance from Portland: 28 miles
- Take I-84 East for 27 miles
- Take Exit 28 toward Bridal Veil, Historic Columbia River Hwy
- Turn right on E. Bridal Veil Road
- Turn right on E. Historic Columbia River Hwy
- In 100 feet, Angel´s Rest parking lot is on your right
Angel’s Rest Info
- Total Hike Distance: 4.8 miles round-trip
- Hike Type: Out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate incline, some rocks towards end
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Kid-friendly: Yes (active kids)
- Good for Trail-Running: Yes (at off-peak times)
- Crowded: Yes
- Best Time to Go: Weekdays, year-round
- All Seasons? Yes, but slippery in winter
Angel’s Rest Info & Photos
Now that we’ve figured out how to get to Angel’s Rest hike, let’s talk about the hike itself. The trail heads straight up from the road, right across from 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 forest, past some 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.
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 up on top of any of the rocks. Dylan stayed behind while we climbed some of them!
Also, I’ve climbed Angel’s Rest in wintertime 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.
The view at Angel’s Rest.
When you reach the rocky outcrop, you’re almost at the top!
Dylan finds some much-needed shade at the top!
Consider hiking Angel’s Rest during the winter: you’ll find less people & stunning views like this..
Where to Stay & Drink!
What’s better after a long hike than a cold beer? 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.
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.
How to Get to Angel’s Rest Hike!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on how to get to Angel’s Rest hike, one of the classic Columbia River Gorge hikes. Have you been to Angel’s Rest? Did you go by yourself ~ or with dogs & friends? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Adventuring!
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: How to Get to Multnomah Falls Hike!
I’m a long-time Portland resident and have taken many a visitor to Angel’s Rest…it’s a great hike to get your bearings in the Columbia Gorge and pretty much everyone can do it. Great article!
Hi there, Roscoe! I agree ~ I’ve also taken many visitors from out of town to Angel’s Rest, it’s a classic Oregon hike!
Hi there this looks like an amazing hike and high on my list for this weekend! I’m wondering how hard you think the rocks at the end are to climb up? I am not an avid rock climber and definitely can tackle a hike like this. Just curious if I need to be able to do a pull-up or how difficult the rocky part at the end is?
Oh no, it’s not difficult at all! No pull-ups required, you just kind of scramble over the rocks on foot. A child could easily walk over them, my puppy handled it no problem ~ it’s very easy. Definitely not rock climbing! Go for it : ) xoxo Noelia