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| Columbia River from Angel's Rest |
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1880 ft
Hike Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 1880 ft
Hike Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Out and Back
Party: Yascha Noonberg, Ali Noonberg, Otis
A break in the recent rainy weather gave me an opportunity to go on my first hike in preparation for the John Muir Trail, 2014. The road to the fitness level I need to get to will be long and bumpy, but I have to start somewhere. Angel's Rest is an exposed bluff on the Western end of the Columbia River Gorge. This summit is characterized by a long, rocky spine surrounded on three sides by cliffs, boasting a striking 270 degree view! While you can't see any of the Cascade volcanoes from the top, you do get great vantages of Beacon Rock, Silver Star Mountain and many other landmarks.
The real draw, however, is the perspective of the river below - like you're on a balcony over a great auditorium. Its near-2000 foot prominence, and its proximity to the Columbia River give you the false sensation that you could dive from the summit to the water below! For an out of shape hiker, the climb can be challenging. There are several photo opportunities along the way that serve as handy umplanned rest stops.
The real draw, however, is the perspective of the river below - like you're on a balcony over a great auditorium. Its near-2000 foot prominence, and its proximity to the Columbia River give you the false sensation that you could dive from the summit to the water below! For an out of shape hiker, the climb can be challenging. There are several photo opportunities along the way that serve as handy umplanned rest stops.
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| Early in the climb |
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| Coopey Falls from the trail |
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| Great view to the west right before the summit |
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| Otis |
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| The trail |
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