Saturday was a relatively laid back day.  We got a late start for a short hike in “The Gorge”.  Mia picked out Angel’s Rest, a quick 5 mile hike with some great views down into the gorge.  The weather was cool and a bit overcast.  The trail was pretty busy too.  This is one of those short, but rewarding hikes so it attracts everything from people in jeans and cardigans, to people who look like they are headed out on a 6 week backpacking trip.

This hike starts out pretty much uphill.  No real easing into this one.  It doesn’t level out very often, but there are a couple moments of reprieve.  Also being only 2.4 mile up, it’s not exactly an epic march.

There are a couple small waterfalls on the way up, and some nice spots that offer varying levels of views.

As seems the norm in the PDX area, I thought we got a late start, but as we were hanging out at the top and then also on the way down, we passed at least 15-20 people just coming up.  I’m still programed for the New England approach of being at the trailhead for 7-7:30 AM.  It really is a different type of pace out here.  Granted that this hike was not some epic all day adventure, but I am still amazed at how not much seems to happen on the weekends before 10AM.

Mia and I are only just starting to scratch the surface of the hiking options around here.  We’ll be occupied for a long time with everything from more 5 mile hikes to some epic days in the Cascades.  I’m really looking forward to exploring more of the area.

Angel’s Rest was only 30 minutes outside of Portland, a decent return for drive time vs. hike time.  I can see why it is so popular.

That’s about it for now.

Thanks for reading,

-Pete