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Reporter |
Summary: This is a great trail to take on a sunny afternoon. Not the traditional way to get to Larch Mountain, but a very good look at several falls along the way. Once you pass Multnomah Falls, you enter a lush green forest and meander along the river for 6.8 miles and gains over 4000ft. You will pass no less than 5 waterfalls on the way; some are small and shallow, while others are up to 40ft or more and plunge into deep green pools. The trail crosses the river several times. Keep an eye on your footing as you go, the thick canopy does not let in large amounts of light to dry the trail out very quickly after a rainstorm. Once you get to the top of the trail there is a large picnic area with tables that makes for a nice lunch break. Be sure to take the 1/4 mile trail up to Sherrad Point. From this vantage point one can see the following Cascade Mountains. Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and the top of Mt. Jefferson. What an awesome view. Trailhead: Take I-84 to the Multnomah Falls exit, park in the lot and walk under the freeway via the tunnel. The trail starts next to the lodge and takes you past beautiful Multnomah Falls on your way up. (Lat:45.567639 Lon:-122.11645) Trail Guides for Larch Mountain Trail, Columbia River Gorge Oregon: Hiking the Columbia River Gorge by Russ Schneider (Falcon Guide) 60 Hikes within 60 miles of Portland by Paul Gerald (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Hood River Ranger Station 6780 Highway 35 Mt. Hood - Parkdale, OR 97041 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review was very hard, me and my brother hiked it in about 7 hours there and back to the multnomah falls parking lot. We only had a liter of water so i recommend bringin much more if you choose to go. But had amazing views and bridges made out of half a log just like in the movies. Attempted this hike Three times early last summer. Each time was spontaneous, late in the day, and after having already been out and about, so I wasn't ever much prepared for the hike. Snow was the real factor in not reaching the summit. The third time up I was so determined that I spent over an hour lost at the top due to following orange tags that eventually blended in with forest service tags. That's what I get for leaving my compass behind. Also, I always take the Wahkeena Falls trail head as it's a lot less crowded and only tacks on an extra mile. Very nice view. I would recommend parking in the E.Larch Mountain road parking trail head and starting the hike from Sherrard point. You could do #441 (2) to Onenata trail and back (2.7) My parnter in crime and I did the hike down Larch Mt. to Mult.Falls on 9/4/08. It was heaven we enjoyed every mintue of it the beautiful falls and the different areas was great. There was some diffulcts along the way the rock slide it took a little longer to cross and the ground was really ruff. I have diabets and I have I disbelt. But if take your time and take in all the beauty you will have a great time. Thank you and have fun. Take and lunch and sit by one of falls and fall in love like we did. We are going to try to due the falls to larch mt. in the future. Did this hike with my Daughter yesterday. Very nice after the initial climb up Multnomah Falls. Gorgeous waterfalls up to the second log bridge. Not as scenic, but still enjoyed the remainder up to the top. Gorgeous view at Sherrard Point. Liked hike up better than hike down. This makes for a good training hike as it has a steady uphill grade for 6.8 miles. However, the hordes of tourists for the first mile spoil the hike. That is the last thing that you want to experience after a pleasant hike in the woods. Also, your reward on top is another crowded parking lot. The hike itself is highlighted by the waterfalls but no viewpoints. If you want to do this hike, I'd recommend parking a second car at the parking lot on top (Larch Mountain Road). I would recommend turning back when the trail leaves the river (after the second log bridge), very nice waterfalls before that point. I went up with my girlfriend late on a Saturday, then backpack camped off of the trail and returned the next morning. We didn't make it all the way up (hey, we had a good excuse), but came within 2 miles of the end. Very scenic. Moss covered everything, trees had fallen down at every angle all along the trail, and the creek was a constant companion serving as a good distraction for the monotonous stretches. Although it would be difficult for a less experienced hiker, the gradual slope after the initial Multnomah Falls ascent proves to be less than arduous. Equipment: much more than needed, but nice training. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Multnomah County Hiking, Multnomah County Trails, Multnomah County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||