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Quick morning on Larch Mountain Trail 10-14

Posted by Stevefromdodge (2006-10-26)

I made a quick trip up Larch Mountain Trail on Saturday 10-14. The weather was beautiful and I was there early enough to beat the crowds. Of course, the crowds thin out dramatically above the falls anyway. This is still a pretty heavily travelled trail, but sometimes I think I get jaded by the masses and forget how truly beautiful the area is.

This first picture is about 100 feet past the trail to the top of the falls.

This one is just around the corner

About a quarter mile farther we come to Dutchman Tunnel. The mist is getting pretty heavy, blowing over the ridge. It really added a mystical feel to the morning.

Audible from here, and visible around the corner is Weisendanger Falls.

The next big falls is Ecola Falls, sometimes called Hidden Falls. The trail passes above the falls, but there's a mad scramble/tumble down to a view of the base.

At the third crossing of Multnomah Creek (4th, if you count the one between the freeway and the lodge), there are a couple of old logs. A close look shows a row of nails in each log. It looks like these logs were part of an older bridge.

I finally had to turn around about where the East Fork joins Multnomah Creek. I had to hurry back to work. Here's a shot of the East Fork, almost dry this time of year.

All in all, I think is a great quicky hike, particularly for photographers. This was about six miles, in about three hours.

Steve

Re: Quick morning on Larch Mountain Trail 10-14

Posted by thehikingdude (2006-10-26)

Great photos! I've only been on that portion of the trail one time a few years ago on a large loop hike. I especially like the view in your second photo. I must return this winter when the ice sets in.

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