Angel's Rest Trail is a 4.7-mile round-trip hike in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah County, ascending to a dramatic basalt promontory with sweeping views above the gorge. The trailhead sits along the Historic Columbia River Highway near Corbett, approximately 28 miles east of Portland via US-30. Street parking along the highway fills quickly on weekends; the trailhead has a small paved lot with limited spaces. No public transit stops directly at the trailhead, though the Columbia Gorge Express bus reaches Vista House approximately 3 miles west.
The trail departs from near Coopey Falls and climbs steadily through mixed Douglas fir and alder forest. The first mile follows Coopey Creek, passing the 40-foot Coopey Falls before beginning a series of sustained switchbacks through open rocky terrain and recovering forest. The Columbia River Gorge Fire of 2017 burned significant portions of the trail corridor, leaving snags and open slopes now revegetating with pioneer species; sun exposure is extensive from the 1-mile mark upward. The final half-mile is the steepest, crossing rocky basalt slabs before reaching the summit plateau at approximately 1,600 feet elevation.
Angel's Rest summit is a broad, open platform of columnar basalt with 180-degree views of the Columbia River Gorge, the Columbia River, and Crown Point on the Washington side. On clear days, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood are visible on the horizon. The plateau has no shade or wind protection, and conditions can be significant on windy days. The trail surface is dirt and gravel for most of the route, with exposed basalt slab near the summit that is slippery when wet. No water sources are available on the trail; hikers should bring at least 1.5 liters from the trailhead.
The trail is open year-round, though winter months bring mud in the lower forested sections and potentially icy conditions on the exposed upper slopes. Spring typically brings the best wildflower displays on the open rocky slopes. The trail sees heavy traffic from spring through fall, particularly on weekends; early morning starts or weekday visits substantially reduce crowding. A Recreation Area Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for the trailhead parking lot.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah County
- Best season
- April–November (trail may be muddy in winter)
What to bring
- Waterproof boots (muddy trail)
- Rain jacket
- Trekking poles
- Sunscreen (summit exposed)
Location
Angel's Rest Trailhead, Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019
45.5334, -122.2462 View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic Columbia River Gorge views from an open basalt summit at 1,600 ft with sight lines into Washington state
- Coopey Falls — a 40-foot cascade in the first mile, framed by alder and bigleaf maple forest
- Open rocky slopes with native wildflowers blooming April through June on the upper trail
- Views of Crown Point and the Historic Columbia River Highway curving through the gorge below
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends — the small parking lot fills quickly and the exposed upper trail becomes crowded by midday.
- The summit plateau is fully exposed to wind; carry a wind layer even in summer.
- Wet basalt on the upper slabs is slippery — trekking poles add useful stability near the summit.
- Post-fire vegetation recovery means minimal shade above 1 mile; sun protection is essential from spring through fall.
- The lower trail can be muddy and slick from November through March; waterproof boots are recommended.
When to visit
April through June offers peak wildflowers on the open rocky slopes and manageable temperatures. Fall (September through November) brings clear skies and autumn foliage in the lower forest corridor, with fewer weekend crowds than summer.
Accessibility
Angel's Rest Trail is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers. The trail is steep, unpaved, and includes exposed rocky basalt sections near the summit. No accessible viewpoints are available along this route.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Angel's Rest Trail?
The trail is rated moderate, with 1,570 feet of elevation gain over 4.7 miles round-trip. The upper switchbacks are steep, and the rocky basalt summit approach requires attention in wet conditions. The post-fire open sections add significant sun exposure.
Is there water available on the trail?
No reliable water sources exist beyond Coopey Creek at the base of the trail. Hikers should carry at least 1.5 liters from the trailhead; the exposed upper trail increases dehydration risk in warm weather.
What are the views like from Angel's Rest?
The summit offers a 180-degree panorama of the Columbia River Gorge, the Columbia River, Crown Point, and the Washington Cascades. On clear days, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood are visible. The open basalt platform provides unobstructed views in all directions.
Is parking free at the Angel's Rest Trailhead?
A Recreation Area Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for the parking lot. Without a valid pass, a day-use fee applies. The Columbia Gorge Express bus provides an alternative to driving, stopping near Vista House a few miles west.