Sherrard Point Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Larch Mountain Trailhead
- End Point: Sherrard Point
- Trail Log : Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 170 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: Apr-Oct
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Hike Description
This short walk on a paved does ascend a series of stairs, so it still could be a bit of a chore for those with heart problems. The destination is probably the best viewpoint in Multnomah County, the volcanic plug atop Larch Mountain known as Sherrard Point. Concrete panels at the site of the old lookout tell about the Cascade peaks in view, and there's an attractive and varied display of wildflowers around the rocky summit in early summer.
The trail departs from the northeast corner of the Larch Mountain parking lot. You want the paved trail on the far right, closest to the pay station. The paved trail wanders slightly downhill through a montane forest of noble fir, silver fir, mountain hemlock, and western hemlock to a saddle. Then you come to several flights of stairs - about 125 steps in all. Near the top, you'll see a plaque commemorating Thomas H. Sherrard, an early Mt. Hood National Forest Supervisor.
At the top, you'll find a flat cement viewpoint, fenced for safety. On a clear day, you can see 5 glacier clad stratovolcanoes, all nicely labeled by concrete signs. The view extends to the coast range on the west and to Mount Defiance on the east.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Northwest Forest Pass required at the trailhead.
Trip Reports
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Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Sherrard Point Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Hiking Oregon's Geology, by Ellen Morris Bishop
- Day Hike! Columbia Gorge, by Seabury Blair, Jr.
- Afoot and Afield Portland/Vancouver, by Douglas Lorain
- 35 Hiking Trails, Columbia River Gorge, by Don & Roberta Lowe
- 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 - 3rd Edition, by William L Sullivan
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Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)