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.
This is one of the classic hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, completed in 1915 as a showcase for the Scenic Columbia River Highway.
The first mile of the hike is on a paved path gaining 700 feet to the top of Multnomah Falls. The next four miles are 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 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.
620-foot Multnomah Falls above the Benson Footbridge
Cliff Penstemon
Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams from Sherrad Point
Bunny (maybe a Varying Hare)
Jester Hat (Orange Columbine)
Trail carved out of cliffs in the Multomah Creek Canyon
90-foot Weisendanger Falls
Margined White Butterfly
Devil’s Club
15-foot Little Mulnomah Falls
Pleasant section of upper trail
Unnamed waterfalls in the deep canyon
Cliff Penstemon
Upper tail crossing an immense talus slope
Such a breathtaking hike, John. Numerous waterfalls, views of Rainier, penstemon and columbine wildflowers, and that gorgeous mossy wall. I thoroughly enjoyed every photo, but when I came to that one of the clump of penstemon, I gasped. Boy, there’s nothing like the Columbia Gorge.
Thanks Jet. It’s a beautiful time of the year.