Monday, March 24, 2014

Weekend Hike - Angels Rest, Oregon

We've started to get excited for our upcoming backpacking trip to the West Coast Trail and decided that we'd better get in shape!

As part of our preparation, we're going on at least one hike every weekend!

Here's the first...

The weather in Portland couldn't have been better this past weekend!

I'm still amazed that it's only March!

Taking advantage of the clear skies and sunshine, we headed to Angels Rest for a little hiking and sightseeing.

Angels Rest is a short but steep hike!

4.8 miles round trip but with an elevation increase of 1,450 feet, the crowds on the trail are the least of your worries - catching your breath and not twisting an ankle on the rocky path will keep your mind busy!  (Having a dog pulling on its leash is probably the main reason we were exhausted! Though we did find out that the pup is afraid of crossing boulders...)

Bring your glasses!  At the top of numerous switchbacks is an amazing view!  You can see east up the Columbia River Gorge and west all the way to the Portland city center (if you're lucky enough to be there on a sunny, clear day).  The edge is a straight drop off and had my hard racing a little as I peered over the ledge.

Pictures - at least with our iPhone - couldn't do it justice, as the city skyscrapers wouldn't show up through the lens.  (Another reason to not live your life through the camera - the real world is still more fascinating!)

Would I do it again? Yes!

Another beautiful Northwest day, another beautiful Northwest hike!

Did anyone else take advantage of the weekend?  Any recommendations?

Yours in exploiting life!
Quinn

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