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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 2 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by RK on 8/4/2008 I would recommend turning back when the trail leaves the river (after the second log bridge), very nice waterfalls before that point. 
Reviewed by Ryan on 8/3/2008 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.
Reviewed by JR on 7/5/2008 Tried to take the shorter Larch Mountain Loop yesterday, which my friends and I discovered was in desperate need of maintenance. Still MANY downed trees and large snow patches that made finding and keeping to the trail a bit of a challenge for us. The trail turned into a small creek at many points as well due to all the runoff. We couldn't complete the loop for the snow was still too heavy along the upper half to even find the trail, and it would be very easy to get lost. However, it was still a beautiful hike - what we could get to anyway. Perhaps we'll try this one again... in late August. Or maybe next year. Late next year. 
Reviewed by MRI on 6/8/2008 Still snowpack around 3000' with many downed trees blocking trail. Makes it a little more interesting but not impossible!
Reviewed by CB on 6/1/2008 5/31/08 above the top junction there was 5-8' of snow and the trail was very difficult to find. This is dangerous in these conditions and no-one should approach without compass, warm clothing, and a good topo map.
Reviewed by Anna37 on 7/26/2007 This trail was my introduction to hiking in the Gorge, and I've returned frequently since. The beginning part up Multnomah Falls is insanely crowded, but always a surprisingly challenging warm-up if you keep a brisk pace. Once you get about an hour into your hike, the crowds will thin down to almost nothing. I generally wear trail shoes, a camelback and carry trekking poles for the return trip. I do think this is a pretty hard hike, and it can be slow going on some of the steeper portions, but the panorama at the top is something to work for! Usually takes me 2:45, with another 15 up to Sherrard Point. Quicker coming down, but not much. Take trail shoes, water, snack, trekking poles.
Reviewed by Scott on 7/16/2007 Just got back and I can honestly say this was the most beautiful hike I have ever been on. We did the whole trail (Unfortunatley started at the top, bad mistake for the legs) in about 7 hours with many beautiful stops along the way. Lots of water and snacks are a must.. We had the most beautiful weather and around every corner there seemed to be something even more beautiful than the one before. This is not a hike (atleast the whole thing) for Kids or people who are not fit. This hike was a cardio WORKOUT!! It was also worth every step and minute that we spent. When you are the top, go the extra .25 mile up the stairs to Sherrod point where you can see Mt Hood, Mt St Helens etc... on a clear day. It was breath taking.
Reviewed by ELVIS on 5/20/2007 IT IS A BEAUTIFUL HIKE,I WAS THERE ONLY ONCE AND I ONLY WENT ABOUT 3 MILES UP AND THAN BACK.I REALLY WANNA GET A CHANCE TO GO BACK AND EXPERIENCE THE WHOLE THING.I THINK THAT IT WILL BE WORTH IT. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||