Angles Rest Hike

So timing and weather workout for us to do a Wednesday hike. Several popular trails have just reopened in the Gorge so we decide to do Angles Rest. This was our first chance to get into an area that was actually burned by the Gorge fire last year. We found the burn damage was spotty and that regrowth from the summer had already covered much of it. In some spots the fire only affected the understory and had left the large trees with just blacken trunks. The weather was cold and windy so we stayed bundled up for the whole hike. As the afternoon sun warned the frozen trail it got quit muddy. Typical of what happens with new trail work. The fire did open up some better views of the Gorge and mountains. Because of very strong wind gust we choose not to go out to the view point on Angles Rest. We did about 4.4 miles and 1500 ft gain. After our hike we stopped in at the Ye Old Pub in Troutdale.

Lori and Jeanette bundled up and ready to hit the trail.
Parking lot was almost full and it was busy on the trail the whole day.
There was a warning sign about where you can park. I understand on weekend they are handing out tickets.
The start of the Angels Rest Trail.
All of the trailheads in the burn area now have these warning signs.
The start of the trail looks much like it always has.
It does not look like there was any burn here.
The first open area provides a view of the river.
Bridge was spared from the fire.
This lower area had lots of understory growth and some fall color.
This section of trail had been worked and there were chard trees on the sides.
About mid way up is another good view spot.
Looking over burnt trees is this view of the Gorge.
We made it to the face toward the Gorge and we could really start filling the wind.
With the brush and trees burned back the rock face of Angels Rest is more visible.
In many spots you could see the work the trails crews have done.
With trees burned out views have opened up.
Summer growth of brush has already covered the hill side. It will be much longer before the trees return.
There was ice heave in a number a spots.
The fire had made Tyke Poles out of some of the trees.
A view down the Gorge to Portland.
Last bit of trail before the top and 35 mile an hour gust of wind.
We made it up to where Trail 400 takes off and turned around at this point.
The user trail to Devils Rest had logs across it. It is not an official trail so it is out of bounds for now.
A view of the rocky top of Angels Rest.
Heading down the trail from the summit.
The few plants in the rocky area were protected from the fire.
Looking back up to Angels Rest. With no brush the rock cliffs stand out now.
Back in the burn area with the open views.
Lots of shoots from the first years growth and Snowberrys lined the trail.
As the trail warmed up in the sun it got very muddy. Slow going to keep from slipping.
Lori heading back over the bridge.
We took a short break at the waterfall cliffs before going back to the car.
In side Ye Old Pub in Troutdale. This was a new place for use and it turned out to nice.
Limited micro brews on tap but the did have a couple that were nice.
I was hungry and food was good so I missed the before shot.