What could be a better outing than a classic trail completed in 1915?
The Larch Mountain Trail begins at the Multnomah Falls Lodge, about 50 feet above sea level, and ends at Sherrard Point, 4,000 feet higher. The seven-mile Trail is never real steep, thanks to the old trail builders who used plenty of dynamite to maintain a steady grade.
The first mile of the hike was on a paved path gaining 700 feet to the top of Multnomah Falls. The next four miles were a gem, always staying near Multnomah Creek in a deep canyon with multiple waterfalls.
At the five-mile mark the Trail left the Creek and began a climb up the western rim of the old volcano to Sherrard Point, the summit of Larch Mountain.
Upon reaching the top, about 30 crow-flying miles from home, the spectacular but hazy views extended seemingly forever.
After a short rest and a snack I headed back to the Multnomah Falls Lodge, feeling like I had enjoyed a pretty nice day in the woods.
The pool at the bottom of 620-foot Multnomah Falls
Devil’s Club (over my head in height and having nasty long thorns
A large Noble Fir
Salmonberry
Folks enjoying 90-foot Weisendanger Falls on a hot afternoon
View from Sherrard Point – – – Snow-covered Mt. Adams to left and Nesmith Point to right (highest point in the cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge)
Red Elderberry
Pleasant stretch of the trail
Striped Coral Root Orchid
Multnomah Creek
Pinesap
The waterfalls are so beautiful.
Looks like fun playing in the water there.
On a hot sunny day, the pools below the large waterfalls are like a magnet to folks trying to cool off.