Difference between revisions of "Larch Mountain Crater Loop Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
(Add work party notice) |
(Add closure) |
||
Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
=== Hike Description === | === Hike Description === | ||
− | <b><font color=red> | + | <b><font color=red>NOTICE: Most trails on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge are closed until further notice because of damage from the Eagle Creek Fire. The closure involves ALL trails between Rooster Rock State Park and Hood River. It is anticipated that most of these trails may not reopen until Spring or Summer 2018. Please check the list of [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/crgnsa/recreation Columbia Gorge trail closures] before you plan for a hike.</font color></b> |
Larch Mountain is second only to [[Mount Hood]] on the Portland skyline. It's distinctive profile can be seen from the entire city. What's less known is that like Mt. Hood, Larch Mountain is a volcanic peak with a crater of its own, albeit very old and eroded. The original hard rock surface of the crater has been eroded into soil that now supports forests and flowery meadows. | Larch Mountain is second only to [[Mount Hood]] on the Portland skyline. It's distinctive profile can be seen from the entire city. What's less known is that like Mt. Hood, Larch Mountain is a volcanic peak with a crater of its own, albeit very old and eroded. The original hard rock surface of the crater has been eroded into soil that now supports forests and flowery meadows. |
Revision as of 15:42, 26 September 2017
- Start point: Larch Mountain Trailhead
- End point: Larch Mountain Trailhead (loop)
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Distance: 5.9 miles loop
- Elevation gain: 1310 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: May-Nov
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
NOTICE: Most trails on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge are closed until further notice because of damage from the Eagle Creek Fire. The closure involves ALL trails between Rooster Rock State Park and Hood River. It is anticipated that most of these trails may not reopen until Spring or Summer 2018. Please check the list of Columbia Gorge trail closures before you plan for a hike.
Larch Mountain is second only to Mount Hood on the Portland skyline. It's distinctive profile can be seen from the entire city. What's less known is that like Mt. Hood, Larch Mountain is a volcanic peak with a crater of its own, albeit very old and eroded. The original hard rock surface of the crater has been eroded into soil that now supports forests and flowery meadows.
This hike starts at the Larch Mountain Trailhead. The Larch Mountain Trail, #441, starts at the southwest corner of the parking lot. This section is one of the few Columbia Gorge trails open to mountain bikes, although it doesn't seem to see a lot of use. You'll start by passing through an old, mostly abandoned campground. The trail then drops down somewhat steeply through a dense, view blocking forest. You'll cross a closed road and a large campsite. Two miles down, you'll turn right on to the Multnomah Creek Way Trail #444.
The path continues dropping down to a log bridge over Multnomah Creek 2/10 of a mile from the trail junction. Just across the bridge, you'll find Multnomah Creek Spur Trail #446. Stay to the right and continue on Trail #444 traveling upstream. The trail, now deep in the old crater, passes through a marshy meadow filled with shooting stars and marsh marigolds in the spring. This was once a lake, but centuries of natural sediments have filled it. Sherrard Point towers over this area. The trail switchbacks up the crater wall to an old logging railroad grade. The trail follows the relatively level abandoned grade for about a mile to a junction with Oneonta Trail #424.
Turn right here and head up Trail #424 for almost a mile to Larch Mountain Road. Turn right and hike up the road for 3/10 of a mile to your car.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Northwest Forest Pass required at Larch Mountain Trailhead.
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Larch Mountain
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Larch Mountain
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Day Hike! Columbia Gorge by Seabury Blair, Jr.
- Afoot and Afield Portland/Vancouver by Douglas Lorain
- Columbia River Gorge, 42 Scenic Hikes by Don & Roberta Lowe
- Hiking the Columbia River Gorge 1st and 2nd Editions, by Russ Schneider
- 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington by William L Sullivan
More Links
Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)