Angels Rest
Main trail to summit viewpoint
The Route
A switchback trail climbs from the Historic Highway to the basalt viewpoint at Angels Rest.
- Bridal Veil TrailheadForest climb
- Coopey CreekBridge above falls
- Upper SwitchbacksForest and open slopes
- Crest JunctionViewpoint branch
- Angels RestExposed rock bluff
Coopey Creek Approach
The trail climbs from the Historic Columbia River Highway through forest toward Coopey Falls. Within the first part of the ascent, it passes above the falls and crosses the creek by footbridge. The main climb then continues in switchbacks, moving between forest, recovering burned slopes and more open views across the Columbia River Gorge.
Bluff & Return
Near the top, a crest junction separates the Angels Rest viewpoint from continuing trails. The viewpoint occupies an exposed rocky bluff rather than a broad forested summit. Views include Beacon Rock and the Gorge, with Silver Star Mountain beyond. The standard 4.8-mile return retraces the same approach. Continuing toward Devils Rest or farther along the connected trail system is outside this listing's distance.
Terrain Along the Route
Forest and talus sections lead to the rocky, exposed summit viewpoint.
Approximate guide figures for the named route and endpoint, not a current measured track. Reference Set: 2026-10-23.
Weather
Current forecasts open at the providers below. NWS forecasts describe a terrain grid cell, not an exact summit.
Access
Angels Rest Trailhead, Columbia River Gorge, OR
Trailhead & Approach
The trailhead is near Bridal Veil on the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Route Choice
The Angels Rest return hike, excluding Devils Rest and connecting Gorge loops.
Road Approach
From eastbound I-84, Exit 28 reaches the Historic Columbia River Highway and East Bridal Veil Road trailhead junction. From the east, the guide uses Exit 35 and the historic highway.
Parking & Entry
WTA lists no parking pass. Its linked 2022 Waterfall Corridor permit dates are historical, not a current reservation rule. This out-and-back returns to the same highway trailhead.
Source information checked 2026-10-23. Road snapshots are dated separately.
Reports
Recent Trip Reports
Open the route-specific WTA reports and compare the hiking date, endpoint and reported conditions.
Official Access & Updates
Open the official page for current access notices, permits and seasonal information for this destination.
Links open the publishers’ report pages. Reports are not automatically imported or filtered to a forecast date.