Angel's Rest Trail

The first half-mile rises at a steady 10 to 15 percent grade through forest. At Coopey Falls, the trail reaches the top of the waterfall and crosses the creek on a footbridge. A short spur looks up toward Upper Coopey Falls. That gives you a sensible shorter turnaround if you want a waterfall walk but not the full climb.

Beyond the bridge, expect roughly 1.6 miles of uphill switchbacks. The hillside still shows scars from an earlier fire, with recovering brush and open talus replacing dense shade in places. Views begin to spread across the Gorge as you gain height. The tread is dirt and rock; some stretches get muddy and slick in the wet season. The repeated bends keep the grade manageable, but the climb can feel longer than its mileage.

At the ridge crest, turn left for Angel's Rest. If you continue east, you're on the separate #415 extension toward Wahkeena Springs, not the usual viewpoint out-and-back. The short summit path reaches a long spine of platy andesite, part of a roughly million-year-old lava flow from Larch Mountain. The rock opens to a broad, roughly 270-degree view: the Columbia far below, Beacon Rock and Cape Horn across the river, and Portland and Sand Island toward the west. On the approach, a split-rail viewpoint frames Silver Star Mountain; check back for the keyhole profile of the point.

The final rock spine is exposed, with steep drops on three sides and no protective rail. The Forest Service warns of fatal falls here. Stay well back from the rim. From safer ground, keep the river and far cliffs in the frame so the photo shows the height of the bluff. Penstemon, iris and Oregon sunshine bloom on the open crest in late spring.

Use Angel's Rest Trailhead at the junction of Historic Columbia River Highway and East Bridal Veil Road. There are two parking areas, one above the other; they fill quickly in spring and summer, and cars outside marked spaces can be cited and towed. A day-use permit is required, and one-day permits are sold on site. No potable water is available on the route.

Dogs are allowed on leash. Mud, ice or strong wind can make the steep upper route less comfortable, and the exposed summit is a poor place to wait out rough weather. If the climb isn't for you, turn around at Coopey Falls after the footbridge and waterfall spur; you'll miss the high Gorge views but still get the waterfall. The nearest documented restrooms are at Bridal Veil Trailhead, less than a mile west, a separate stop.