Angel Rocks is a moderately difficult trail in the Chena River State Recreation Area. The 3.5-mile loop is a great day hike and is frequented by many locals after work. The hike takes you along the Chena River before climbing up 900 feet to sweeping views of the forest below. The “Angel Rocks” are granite pillars formed by millions of years of erosion. You can climb atop the various pillars for different views and photo ops.

There is free parking and pit toilets available at the trailhead, which is located off Chena Hot Springs Road.

If 3.5 miles isn’t enough for you, you also have the option to hike 8.3 miles (one way) to Chena Hot Springs for a rejuvenating soak in the healing mineral waters. To get there, park at the Angel Rocks trailhead and follow the signs for Angel Rocks to Chena Hot Springs Trail. You’ll begin on the same route as the Angel Rocks loop, but continue over a ridge to Chena Hot Springs Resort. At the 6-mile mark, the trail splits into upper and lower routes, but both end at the resort at about 8.3 miles. The hot springs cost $15 per person, $5 for a towel, and free showers are available in the locker room. You can either make the hike back, stay at the first-come, first-serve trail shelter around 4 miles in, or try hitchhiking from the hot springs back to your car at the trailhead.