Devil's Rest via Wahkeena Falls - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

A doozy of a hike, Devil's Rest is a 7.5 mile lollipop loop which we opted to start at Wahkeena Falls. This hike will test your quadriceps and hamstrings, the elevation gain is around 2,500 feet, accomplished within the first few miles of the hike. At times, you begin to wonder if there will ever come a point when the ground beneath your feet will level. You will also falsely convince yourself that with this type of incline, the views will be worth the pain and suffering. You will be wrong, the views are mediocre at best, but the waterfalls and glimpses of the gorge make it a great workout hike.

The trail is easy to find, from I-84 East, take the Bridal Veil exit to the Historic Highway and park at Wahkeena Falls trailhead. This spot gets very crowded due to its proximity to Multnomah Falls, the earlier you arrive the better. The good news is, due to the aggressiveness of this trail, most climbers stop at Fairy Falls, if you push forward you will find yourself virtually alone in the woods. This hike is recommended for those looking for something close to Portland that will burn some serious calories. You will get the occasional view and some waterfalls, but there is no grand finale at Devil's Rest. It's more or less a bunch of rocks hanging out at the top.

Cheers