Angel's Rest-Devil's Rest Loop

Explore waterfalls, enjoy expansive views, and have a look at how forest rebounds from fires all along this lovely lollipop loop hike in the Columbia River Gorge.

From the Angel's Rest trailhead off of the Historic Columbia River Highway, begin hiking through forest, soon beginning a climb up and across loose talus. This exposed section allows hikers to see the mighty Columbia shimmering below, cut by windsurfers enjoying the strong breezes that regularly blow through the gorge.

Your first stop is Angel's Rest, which you'll acheive in just 2.8 miles as you hike through a former burn area. On the way, you'll pass a couple of waterfalls. Hike by the top of Coopey Falls on the trail, and just a little later, the more ambitious can take a short, somewhat dangerous side trail to Upper Coopey Falls. Soon you'll come to a footbridge crossing Coopey Creek, the feeder to both falls, where the trail begins to switchback toward Angel's Rest.

At the overlook, views of the Gorge are incredible, but keep one eye on the edge--it's a long way down to the river from here. Once you've gotten your fill of views, continue on the main trail, switchbacking up to a junction with Foxglove Way, about a quarter-mile from Angel's Rest. .

Foxglove Way continues for about a mile, before arriving in a swampy, brushy area, which is the junction with the Foxglove Trail (different than Foxglove Way). When you arrive at the junction, proceed straight ahead to join the Foxglove Trail. A sign here indicates that Devil's Rest is just about a half-mile further on.

The summit of Devil's Rest is treed, but don't be disappointed! There's a good view nearby. Just before arriving at the summit is a sign marked for the Devil's Rest Trail. Descending eastward on this trail, hikers will arrive at a side trail which leads to a viewpoint that offers what Devil's Rest itself cannot: views of multiple peaks, a shining ribbon of water in the gorge, and wide open skies.

On a clear day, expect to see Mounts Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier, as well as Skamania Island in the mighty river below. Take a moment to snap some photos and take in the views before heading back to the Devil's Rest Trail, where you will head east and pass yet another, less impressive viewpoint and a couple of small footbridges.

Give your legs a break by traversing the ridgetop, then engage your quads for the descent along a set of switchbacks. You're heading to a junction with two other trails: the Wahkeena Trail, which heads east to iconic Multnomah Falls (and the crowds that come with it). The Vista Point Trail veers north, heading for Fairy and Wahkeena Falls. The trail you want is Wahkeena, though you won't be heading all the way to Multnomah Falls.

In a little less than a mile on the Wahkeena Trail, you'll arrive at another junction. Make a left to rejoin the Angel's Rest Trail and begin a half-mile climb to a more level section which crosses Mist Creek on a log footbridge. Pass the Foxglove Trail (this time at a lower junction than you previously used). Soon,you'll return to the Angel's Rest Trail's junction with Foxglove Way. Turn onto Angel's Rest Trail and head down the hill for your last stretch to your car.