Wahkeena Falls-Devil's Rest-Angel's Rest Loop

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Features Views · Waterfall

Lots to see and do initially as you climb up Wahkeena Trail #420, passing Lemmon's Viewpoint and Fairy Falls, then a good workout on the way up to Devil's Rest and a comfortable traverse on relatively flat ground out to Angel's Rest with its famous awe-inspiring views. Return along Angel's Rest Trail #415 back to the junction with Wahkeena Trail #420.

There are some smooth flat rocks imbedded in the trail between Devil's and Angel's Rest that cannot be seen due to underbrush crowding the trail. Proceed with abundant caution if the trail is at all wet.

The run begins at the Wahkeena Falls Day Use Area (just a half-mile before Multnomah Falls) and begins on the reasonably steep switchbacks of Wahkeena Trail #420, passing Fairy Falls. From here, you can either take the Vista Point Trail (slight left and signed) or continue to Wahkeena Trail #420 (switchback to the right).

If you continue on Wahkeena Trail #420, the trail ascends, running into a T-intersection shortly after flattening out. Turn left at this point to continue a gentle climb on Wahkeena Trail #420 toward Devil's Rest.

The route to the summit of Devil's Rest is signed on Wahkeena Trail #420 and is approximately where the Vista Point Trail merges back into Wahkeena Trail. If approaching on Wahkeena, turn right to begin the climb up to Devil's Rest. The trail is clear and well-maintained but is somewhat steep in places. Thankfully, there are a couple of switchbacks. The climb ceases around 2100 ft elevation and is relatively flat for about a mile, with a few views of the Columbia River and Gorge area through the trees.

At about 3.5 miles into the run, the final push to the top of Devil's Rest begins, leading away from the ridge line up to another T-junction. Climb the last few feet up and slightly left to a collection of rocks that make for a good rest/lunch spot. There isn't a view here, which presumably gives the area its name!

Continue the run by retracing your steps for about 50 feet, turning onto the trail on the right that runs downhill into a patch of maple trees. This trail descends away from the ridge, running south and then turning west. There is another junction about 0.3 miles from Devil's Rest--stay left, continuing to run west. After another roughly 0.3 miles you'll junction with Devil's Rest Trail (#420C); turn right, bearing NNW toward Angel's Rest. After about 0.4 miles, turn left to stay on Devil's Rest Trail, which now runs west for another 0.5 miles to Angel's Rest. Make sure to enjoy the views, but be careful on the rocks! This area is sturdy and expansive, but quite exposed.

Once you've had your fill of the views (and perhaps some water and snacks!), retrace your steps, keeping left at all trail junctions, which will lead you onto Angel's Rest Trail #415. ***Be careful! there is a view ledge that looks like a trail junction but leads directly off a cliff after only a few feet when traveling away from Angel's Rest!*** You'll find yourself running north once you've made the turn off. Continue for about 1.2 miles to a set of switchbacks that descend about 500 feet in about 0.8 miles. Continue on Angel's Rest Trail #415 until you reach the intersection with Wahkeena Trail #420. If you have time, check out Wahkeena Springs, which will be on your left directly before you reach this trail junction!

From here, complete the lollipop by descending Wahkeena Trail #420 back to the parking lot. If you do this run in the morning, be prepared for lots of traffic coming up the trail as you come down.