Probably my favorite hike on the Oregon side of the Columbia gorge. The views are spectacular as you navigate the trail! And the view at the top is worth the effort. This is a moderate intensity hike but it is consistently graded throughout; a great hike if you only have about two hours and want some cardio in your day. The trail is clearly defined and easy to follow. The hike is marvelous in the summer on a clear sunny day! However, the views on the trail are a bit better during the colder months when the leaves are off the trees. Either way, you get a lovely view of the Gorge that is mostly unrestricted as you get near the peak. There is a dedicated parking lot at the trailhead but spots are limited. No permits are required. There is also no public restroom available so plan accordingly. Enjoy! read more

4.9 mi, 1503 ft elevation gain, 2hrs 3 min to complete. Awesome trail as always. We beat the crowds and attempted to do this as a sunrise hike. We were a bit too late, but caught a bit of the sunrise on the way up. Clouds and fog were swirling around and moving fast at the top. Absolutely beautiful. Wish I had a hot cup of coffee at the top to enjoy! No parking pass or special access permit required before 0900!!! read more

See all

This has to be one of the most popular trails near Portland and no matter how many times you come here the views will always mesmerize you. Although the hike is not very long, it's strenuous. I would recommend starting early or a little later in the evening because after a while, there is no shade and with the sun beating down on you ,it does take a toll on your energy and hydration levels .However , early summer if you want gorgeous view of wildflowers and a stunning view of the gorge this one is hard to beat. Parking can be tricky depending on the day and time you arrive . Be prepared for unexpected wildlife encounters. read more

See all

Great hike, even on a hot day. Arrived in the park around 10, and the waterfall stop offs were all full but parking lot at this trailhead had plenty of spots. Very shaded most of the way. Nice stream to stop and put your feet in on the way back. I logged 5 miles exactly. Took us 3 hours and 11 minutes including a nice long break at the top. read more

See all

I arrived to the parking lot 8:30am on a Tuesday in June and I was the first and only car. The parking lot can accommodate ~10 cars. By the time I got back to the parking lot after my hike, there were maybe 1-2 spots left at 10:30am. The whole hike to Angels Rest lookout took ~2 hrs for 4.6 miles. I had the whole trail to myself. The path is quite narrow so it can only fit one person really. I saw a group of 8 or so starting the hike after I got to my car and I was glad to have gone early because there's no room to pass anyone on this trail. Most of the hike is shaded. It rained the day before so some parts of the path were muddy. I saw a variety of wildflowers, a slug and chipmunks. I would say difficulty is moderate. It helps to have hiking shoes because some of the path is rocky, but it's not necessary. read more

See all

It's a great hike, especially on a gorgeous day. When you get to the top, go further ... the views open up even more. read more

See all

Arrived at 8 am on a thursday. Was the 2nd car in the parking lot. The lot for parking is not very large so would recommend coming early. There is incline from the get go. I needed my all trails map to figure out some of the directions. At the beginning it was unclear which way to go. The answer is left. Not sure where right goes. The trail was incredibly lush and green. So many ferns and flowers. Its absolutely beautiful. There are a lot of switch back and basically the entire trail is incline. The view at the top is stunning of the gorge. I ended up picking up a fair amount of other peoples garbage though and also other folks dog poop bags. Be sure to pack out what you pack in , including your dog poop. I didn't even have my doggies with me this time since they were at home in colorado but always believe in leaving a place better than i found it. Trail was dry. When i was on my way down and about half way down really started running into people. When i got back to parking lot around 10 there was a line of cars hoping to get a parking spot and just kind of waiting along the side of the road So seems like its a pretty happening spot. Come early! There are trash cans at the parking lot. read more

See all

O lawd, I'm 3-staring a hike, I will end up on a late night show for sure! This is great as an after-work hike if you live in the Portland metro. Everyone else should...maybe try something more interesting. OK, OK. It's also good if you move your beanpoles back and forth semi-vigorously, but don't have much time, and would prefer not to use a treadmill/hamster wheel. Outside of those use cases, there are way more scenic and rewarding hikes in The Gorge. Pick pretty much anything. Well, except for Nesmith Point...which is probably the worst hike in The Gorge. Steep with no "summit" views. Just lovely. read more

See all

This hike has a great view from the top. The upwards ascent hike can be difficult for some. We have hiked this trail several times. We prefer to arrive early in the morning (around 0700 or 0800 am) or slightly later in the morning (around 1045 or 1100 am) when the first round of hikers have typically descended. Parking is sparse. Would recommend going on a weekday rather than a weekend based on discussions with other hikers. read more

Came here on a weekday, started at the Wahkeena Falls parking lot. The hike to Angel's Rest was steep with lots of switchbacks, but it was fun. Didn't see many people, intersections were well-signed with maps too! Pretty great, appreciate that. The viewpoint from Angel's Rest was great! I really enjoyed this hike, would recommend it. read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

See all

Came right after 0730 on a Wednesday and we were the only ones there. It was so pretty in February, but definitely cold! You'll see multiple points of a water fall going up. Plenty of trees and birds. The trail getting closer to the top isn't paved, you have to walk through some loose rocks. Also, if you're going in the winter some of the paths are icy and slippery when making it to the top. But, once you're at the top it is absolutely stunning! Would definitely recommend this hike if you're in the area! It's a short quick hike, didn't need to bring water or snacks or anything. About 2 hours round trip if you're waling at a moderate pace. read more

See all

This is a beautiful hike, in one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the country. There's no changing that. The Columbia River gorge = absolute beauty! That being said, this hike was way more technical than any hiking website or map indicates. It's hard when hikes are classified as only easy, moderate, difficult. Angel's Rest is classified as moderate, but here are the real details: If you go when any rain has fallen in the last few days, or when it's currently raining, 40% of the hike will be mud. Very murky, sticky yet slippery mud. It makes for some slow going. The rest of the trail is made of rocks, which if it's been raining, are extremely slippery. Some areas are just jagged rocks on the path. Near the end of the trail, there is a section of large rocks where you can almost lose the trail. Fear not, just cross the rocks and eventually, you'll reach the rest of the trail on the other side. At the top, you really do have great views of the Gorge. And there's no denying how beautiful the Gorge is! But for the difficulty, I do feel that there are hikes out there that are more pretty on the way up and a little less treacherous. I'd trade in the mud and rocks for a steeper trail any day. That being said, the Gorge is beautiful, the PNW is amazing, and if you aren't afraid of some mud and rocks, the views will take your breath away. read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

See all

Another great trail located in Oregon. The trail is not the easiest, but also not difficult to complete. It's a moderate hike that has a good incline. Some parts can be rough as you are hiking on a bit of a rocky trail. Once you reach the top, take a moment to enjoy the view. Definitely worth the trip. Also, there are a couple of other routes that you can take that will make it a longer trail. read more

See all

The best bang for your buck when it comes to hikes in the gorge! It's a quick drive from Portland. Depending on your skill level you can do this 4 mile round trip hike in about 2.5 hours. It is steep (straight up the the whole way)! But that's the fun part! A great workout in the gorgeous outdoors. The selling point of this hike is the view from the top. You can see both directions down the gorge, including the Portland skyline. Amazing. If you haven't done this one yet, what are you waiting for?? A few cons: it can get pretty muddy in the winter. If you don't come early, it does get crowded, although I've never not been able to find a parking spot. You can park on the edge of the street if needed. Parking is free. read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - View from the top of Angel's rest, looking west. - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

A beautiful hike, not too far away from Portland. We went on a day where it rained the night before. I loved the view, very large area for rope to walk around, rest, and take pictures. One thing that I hated was the mud, it was muddy about 40% of the time and with steep and narrow trails made it hard. Decent parking and would come again. read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

See all

Amazing, this was a great hike. My cousin recommended this trail because she thought I was a city mouse and was told this hiking trail was easy........yeah, NOPE. It was a 9.7 miles round trip and it over 3500 feet elevation with steep trails. However, the view was beyond words to describe. Throughout this adventure, you start near a waterfall and gazed upon the Columbia Gorge and all of its glory as your hike up to the top. As you can up higher on the trail, you will be in an area that covered with flat rocks, which were amazing to sun bake and rest your feet. It is a dog-friendly trail, but I do get confused on how a tiny corgi can climb some of these steep steps on the way up or down. Worth the hike if you make it to the top. For beginners, it may be hellish, but the view is clearly divine. read more

See all

BEWARE: DO NOT leave anything in your car. Break-ins have been happening pretty frequently here. Just got my cars back window smashed in two days ago at the trail head parking lot and we noticed glass in a couple other spots in the parking lot from other former windows. I read a couple reviews from people on All Trails and Google that both had the same thing happen here in the last two weeks. People are wonderful. However, the hike was great! Would've been better if I didn't come back to a broken window. But definitely bring spikes or high traction boots. It gets very slick on some parts and muddy as well. And make sure you bring a good beer to the top to celebrate! On a side note: if you happen to catch the waste of life that's been breaking into cars report it right away as I have already informed the police and if the opportunity presents itself, give them a good punch in the face for me. And a couple extra after. read more

If you live in Oregon and you've never visited Angel's Rest, are you really an Oregonian? But seriously, Angel's Rest Hiking trail is my all time FAVORITE trail to hike in Oregon. The trail is always well maintained and the end view is just absolutely GORGEous (see what I did there). Small tip.. since this hiking spot is becoming increasingly popular (especially in the summer), I advise to skip the morning and hike this trail in the late afternoon (3 or 4pm ish). You will see that it is less packed around this time. And please always pack a headlamp or bring a flashlight with you in case it starts to get dark on your trek back down. Once you reach the top of Angel's Rest, do yourself a favor and hike a little bit further if you have it in you. About 1 or 2 more miles up is Devil's Rest which is an even higher view of the Columbia river gorge. You will NOT regret it. Well.... your legs might, but your eyes won't! read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - Halo at the top of Angel's Rest. Her all time favorite spot! - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

See all

Where eagles dare! We have driven by this trail so many times and have heard so many great things about it, but have not had to chance to hike it. As an avid hiker Angel's Rest has been on my hiking list for a while now. The total distance is roughly around4.8 miles for the entire round trip. Whoever, it feels much longer due to the majority of this hike is on an incline with hills. The elevation gain is approximate 1450 feet. I would rate this as a moderately hard trail to hike due to the elevation and incline. The parking lot is small and gets full really fast. This trail can get really busy. I would recommend going in the early morning (6 or 7am), if you opt to go later parking will be a challenge. You can park on the side of the road, but even that is pretty limited. The trail is well worn and very rocky at times. This is a moderately hard trail in my opinion with the majority of it being on an incline while you work your way up. Wear really good sturdy hiking boots or shoes with a solid sole. A good portion of the trail is rock and you will have to climb some boulders near the top. There is a nifty waterfall a few miles in the beginning. I would caution everybody to stay on the trail and be careful on the drop offs and cliffs. There have been several fatalities due to falls attributed to this trail. So keep your kids close by and use caution and good judgement. There are some great picturesque spots with great views of the Columbia Gorge and the Columbia River. When you get to the top, be careful as there is no date or fencing so watch your step. The trail can get really wet and muddy after some rain so prepare to get a little bit dirty if you go in spring or the fall. At the top there is a wide open 360 degree view of the Columbia Gorge and Columbia River and the surrounding areas. This is really one of my favorite hikes along the Columbia Gorge, just keep in mind that you are basically going up and the entire hike is on an incline. I am definitely coming back and highly recommend this hike. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. read more

See all

Not sure how many stars to give. I've never been hiking before! Lol It was SO muddy and there was still a lot of snow. Took my husband, brother, sister law and myself 5 hours round trip to hike the 4.8 miles (mostly cause of me lol). Beautiful views! I'm sure I would have enjoyed myself more if I had better shoes and the ground wasn't so muddy. :) my dog LOVED it. read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - Waterfall - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

See all

Amazing hike with amazing views. As a novice in hiking, I would say this is a moderate hike. Worked up a sweat but was able to complete it without any issues at all. If you have 2 to 3 hours, you need to check it out! read more

See all

Angel's Rest Trail is easy and quick to get to. It's just off Exit 28 on I-84, smack dab in between the nudist Rooster Rock State Park and Multnomah Falls. Parking at the trailhead is ample. Our hike book said Angel's Rest took 5 hours. However, even after taking a leisurely lunch at the lookout (feasting on delish sandwiches prepared at the Division New Seasons), our round trip ended up being just under four hours. The hike book also characterized this Angel's Rest as "moderate" in difficulty. That's an accurate description. You do get a good workout, but the hike is not a killer. It's a 4 mile round trip from the parking lot to the lookout rooks. If that is not enough of a hike, you can continue on the trail, which eventually hooks up with other trails in the area. I think the views up and down the Gorge are particularly nice from Angel's Rest (in comparison to other hikes in the Gorge). When I get the chance, I'll upload a couple of the best photo shots we took. Yes, the trail is somewhat crowded on a summer day, but people are friendly and courteous. If you like to dog watch, this is the place to come. I marvel how a Chihuahua can make it up this trail. read more

Angel's Rest has a rather spectacular panoramic view of the Columbia River at the top. That is, to my mind, the great virtue of this hike. It's second virtue is that it's relatively close to Portland, so it makes for a pretty quick there-and-back bit of exercise. On the downside? It's packed with people and their dogs in summer, largely because it's relatively easy (not very long or very steep) hike to a pretty impressive viewpoint. The second downside is that the summit smells like pee. Seriously. The place gets a lot of traffic and there is consequently a lot of urine up there. And speaking of dogs, there is a relatively new phenomenon on hiking trails--and particularly prominent on Angle's Rest: plastic bags of dog shit scattered on the side of the trail. I see it on Angel's Rest often, and I don't get it. I mean if you're not going to pack it out, why bag it up? I know, I know. The idea is that the dog owner is just leaving it on the side of the trail 'temporarily' so they don't have to carry feces to the summit. They plan to pick it up on their way back down to the car. Yeah right. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Well how about that? I meant to review Angel's Rest but it turned into a rant about irresponsible dog owners. Funny how that happens. read more

One of my favorite hikes along the gorge! This is a moderate hike... 4.6 miles roundtrip. The view at the top is pretty amazing. I would recommend this trail to anyone who wants to have an awesome view of the gorge. You get the most bang for your buck! read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

See all

We also had our car broken into, I didn't like those credit cards anyway. Nor did I like the passenger window on my car, totally worth $355 to have it replaced. The hike itself was ok, a lot of burned areas from the fire 2 years ago. The views were nice. read more

Pretty easy hike for the more advanced hikers. Nothing too difficult getting over and the trail is pretty wide so you don't have to worry about bumping into people. Once you get to the top it's all worth it from there. I just sat down for a good hour and stared at the gorgeous Columbia river. I recommend this trail for all the sightseers! read more

See all

Everyone and their mother has probably hiked this trail. It isn't hard to see why. Unlike devil's rest, there is an amazing view when you reach the summit. However, like multnoma falls, the prettier the view....the greater the foot traffic. So go on a day that isn't perfectly sunny to avoid the crowd. I went on a cloudy day, and although it was a little chilly it was totally worth it! Definitely an easy hike if you are a beginner looking to start hiking. read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

Great hike. Not too difficult and not too long but still a great workout and a beautiful reward once you reach the top. The trail can be very busy on the weekends but still well worth it. read more

See all

Beautiful and spectacular hike. Moderately grueling. Recommend: take the scenic historic columbia river drive and park at the trailhead at Bridal Veil. Trailhead is on your right and parking is on your left or curbside. If you drive to Multnomah Falls you have gone too far and need to turn your booty around. Make sure to exit I-84 on Corbett hill Bring Gatorade and water and food for the very friendly chipmunks. You will love watching them stuff their cheeks! read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - Angel's Rest Hiking trail. View at the top. - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

I love this hike. No matter what my plans are for the weekend, I usually can squeeze in a quick hike up to Angel's Rest 4.6 miles round trip. It's a great way to get myself back into hiking shape. If I'm feeling particularly good, I may continue on past Angel's Rest and go to Devil's Rest for a 10.9 mile round trip hike. Angel's Rest isn't bad (depending on the shape you're in) but it does have a few steep climbs throughout. The top is very rewarding. If you plan on eating lunch up top, bring an extra layer. It's cooler and windy up there. Gear recommendations: 1) Water. Bring it. Camelbak or bottled water... doesn't matter. I see a lot of people that might be from out of town who aren't prepared for this type of hike, and they look like they're dying. This isn't Multnomah Falls. It's not paved. This is a moderate for reals hike... dirt, mud, rocks, and a few steep climbs. You will get thirsty, so just bring the water. 2) At least wear workout clothes. Honestly, you can wear whatever you want. I have seen young girls with friends wearing cute little skirts, their denim jackets, and their giant purses. It's doable but I don't see how that can be very practical/comfortable. You're in a for a workout... Really... There isn't a movie theater at the top, and no, there aren't any brooding teen vampires you have to look pretty for. I promise. 3) Trekking poles aren't necessary for this hike but they are helpful, especially on the way down. If you've got bad knees, I would recommend them. You could always strap them to your pack just in case you need them. There are some loose rocks and sometimes the trail can get muddy and slippery so the poles can also give you a little more confidence in those situations. All in all, I love this hike. It's a great hike for anyone. Absolutely beautiful! Oh... No toilet at trailhead. It's about a mile up the street. Stop there first or at the TA coming from Portland. Guys don't usually have to worry about those things, but for my lady friends out there... empty your bladder before you climb because the trail is sometimes busy and there aren't many suitable pee spots. Happy hiking :-) read more

Easy to get to from Portland. The parking lot by the trailhead has just over a dozen spots, and was almost full on the Thursday morning I went (and was full by the time I was leaving). I'm guessing on the weekends you'll have to park along the street . . . Nice little push (about 2.4 miles each way with 1,500 feet of climb). Trail is popular, and I saw maybe two dozen folks and their canines going up and down. Most of the trail is well worn, but there are two or three spots that are a bit rocky and might require a bit of scrambling, as well as some big steps at the very top. I was able to hike the whole thing in Chacos, but probably wouldn't have risked it if it had been wet. View from the top is fantastic and there's a U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey marker up there as well (RD2189). [rant] I ended up picking up 3 or 4 granola bar and gum wrappers from the trail, seeing dog waste on the edge of the trail and a bag of waste to the side, as well as a half-dozen or so tissues, and 4 or 5 hair ties. I get this is a popular trail, and that it's accessibility means lots of non-outdoorsy folks probably end up using it, but is it really that hard for folks to keep track of their trash? [/endrant] In any case, a pretty easy hike to get to with a nice view from the top. read more

This is seriously such a fun, short hike just outside of Portland. This trail only takes you 4.6 miles roundtrip, but you get a breathtaking view of the Columbia River and Portland in the distance. There's also options to explore the trail further on the Wahkeenah Trail to the Wahkeenah Falls, which I have yet to do. Some people say that this is a moderate hike, but I would rate it at a beginner level. There are some difficult portions, like steep slopes and climbing over rocks to advance in the trail, but if your body is able it shouldn't be too over-the-top challenging. The hard parts at the top of the hill are fleeting, and after that it's all downhill from there (literally!). If you're going on a chilly day, just know that the winds can be pretty vicious up at the top! Make sure to stand your ground while taking photos. :) Parking is right by the first stop sign you see after exiting Bridal Veil/Exit 28 from the I-84 E, and can get very full after about 9 a.m. I suggest getting there before 8 a.m., especially on the weekend, for a clearer trail path and ample parking. Don't forget to stop by Multnomah Falls if you can! It's only 3.1 mi east if drive down E Bridal Veil Rd. read more

My idea of a perfect rainy Sunday involves a toasty fire, dinner planned, and the Sunday New York Times. I am in the minority at our house. There are people just itching to get outside & busy regardless of weather. I begrudgingly agreed to a hike here, and while it is not my usual forte, I did enjoy myself. The trail is straight forward, somewhat muddy, and it's a 2.6 mile loop (at least the trail we took). Dogs are allowed, and Ed, the feisty Jack Russell was game. There were the requisite number of drooling, overly-friendly Labradors who annoyed him, but that's par for the course. Once we got to the top I must say the view was astounding! The Columbia River Gorge is mighty spectacular, the mountains, the river itself, the view of Washington...all breathtaking! We had a picnic and hiked down. I would not have come here on my own, tho' I am happy I did. I will consider another visit here when the weather is warm. I think this is the perfect hike in terms of distance, location, view, and the parking is easy. A great afternoon of exercise outside the gym! read more

The word "entertainment" in French is "Divertissement." In other words, you have your daily life and the responsibilities that go along with it -- but entertainment is that little diversion, the pleasure, the joyous distraction that makes you forget that your email inbox is beyond full, your car is out of gas, and your pile of dirty clothes is reminiscent of May 18th, 1980. There is no better entertainment, no better diversion, than getting outside and enjoying our amazing natural surroundings that we tend to blow off on a daily basis. This is a wham-bam-thank you M'am hike -- up and down in 5 miles, with exceptionally high satisfaction margins. You want to peer down at waterfalls? Perhaps scamper across a rock field or two? Sit atop a perch of weathered boulders where the view alone (nevermind the 1,500 feet you just climbed) will take your breath away? Around every corner you're reminded just how blessed we are to have even a short time on this planet, and maybe, just maybe, your mind will wander from that ever growing to-do list that *may* not be as important as you think it is... In my case, I'll empty my inbox, fill my gas tank, and move my pile of laundry from the washer to the dryer before I indulge...but this will most definitely become a frequent diversion of mine. (Perhaps I'll check out Devil's Rest for those not-so-good weeks...) read more

A ridiculously gorgeous and green hike that you can go on after your visit to Multnomah Falls (just down the street). The view at the top is worth all the rocky rocks your poor ankles get through on the way there (and back). My only gripe is that you're constantly having to look at where you're walking or you can trip on the rocks which is what the trail mostly consists of. It's the perfect length of exercise if you've got a couple hours to kill. We treated ourselves to Pok Pok's wings and it was a perfect day! I suggest bringing veryyy comfortable shoes with lots of cushion and support for your ankles. Also, wear sunblock, bring a camera, and your fun friends because it's about 4.6 miles roundtrip. They have a cool shoe cleaner at the entrance of the trail, near the parking lot. This not only helps keep dirt out of your car, but also helps to stop weeds from growing around the area since your shoes pick up the seeds and throw 'em around. read more

Spoiler Alert: You will enjoy the view at the top Angel's Rest is a great all-around, bring a lunch and enjoy the view, not so steep, gently challenging, well maintained, all in all good fun hike that everyone should go try at least once... Heck it will only take a morning or an afternoon for that matter. Its great for adults, kids, and dogs (although I would suggest to bring a leash as I saw a couple (dogs that is) jump from the trail after squirrels, chipmunks, and strange looking rats that looked like they got their faces punched in) go half an hour east on I-84, take exit 28, turn right, and look for the parking lot on the right ps. take the historical hwy back home...its beautiful..... read more

Such a wonderful hike, would definitely go again. I usually hike on dry trails that lead through the woods, but the trails out here up north are just something else. Green, green, green is all you see throughout the hike while you mark your shoe tread into the damp trail. Saying so, I recommend bringing a hiking stick if you have bad balance/footwear without gripping tread. Hiking through, you will start to sweat but the trees and random breezes keep you going. As you progress up, (when foggy) you start to lose sight of the road you arrived from. At the top, (make sure you go left and not right, leading to Devil's Rest which is another couple miles) you get a great view of the river that runs along the highway. Sit down, relax, enjoy the views with some lunch, and don't forget to feed the chipmunks! Hope for the fog to not block your view at the top. All photos uploaded cannot do justice to the actual view itself.. even the pictures of slugs along the trails Lol. Hiking Level = Moderate. Terrain = Slippery with sharp rocks. Time = 1 hour up, 35 minutes down. Dog accessible = Yes. Weather gear = Rain proof light weight jacket and preferred pants/shorts PS: This is the only trail where I have seen about a total of 12 dogs hiking up with their owner. read more

Angel's Rest Hiking Trail - First slug I've ever seen! Easily 8 inches at least - Hiking Near Me - Corbett, Oregon

See all

I came here on a weekday with a girlfriend of mine and her dog. Parking was simple but we came later in the day and missed the "rush." This is a workout! The views are absolutely wonderful at the top, bring a camera and a sack lunch. This hike is full of switch backs and rocky terrain. I'd definitely wear sneakers or hiking boots, skip the Chacos. read more

This is my favorite hike in the Gorge so far. It's a decent challenge, depending on how far you go and how quickly you attempt to do it, but without being grueling. Getting to the trailhead is easy and finding your way up shouldn't be a problem. There are usually plenty of people around, especially in the summer; I like to go just before the rains start in the fall when it's a bit quieter. The views from the top are spectacular, which is one of the reasons it's my favorite. There's also a geodetic marker at the top (off to the west a bit) for the nerdy among us. A great variety of native plants along the way for botany enthusiasts, too! I love this hike so hard. read more

This is a memorable short hike just 30 minutes from downtown Portland, in the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area. . It's about 2.5 miles long and 1,500 ft elevation. You're rewarded at the end with a breathtaking view of the Columbia River Gorge, snow-capped Mount Adams and Portland. If I lived in Portland, I'd probably come here often to reflect, relax and enjoy the fantastic view. It's *that* beautiful. read more