Hike through the ancient volcanic crater of Larch Mountain that now contains old-growth forest and boggy meadows, and cap it off with a short walk up the former shield plug to views of five Cascade peaks.

distance: 6.3 miles (loop)
elevation gain: 1,310 ft.
difficulty: moderate
best season: late spring, summer, fall
drive time from Portland: 50 minutes
parking pass: NW Forest Pass
hike description: OregonHikers.org

Trail Map

The Hike

From the large parking lot at the top of Larch Mountain, take the side trail to Sherrard Point for views of Mount Hood and Jefferson to the south, and Mount Adams, Rainier and St. Helens to the north. Then begin the forested loop hike by heading downhill on the Larch Mountain trail. At 1.7 miles, turn right onto the Multnomah Creek Way Trail and continue for 0.2 miles to the junction with the Multnomah Spur Trail. Stay to the left. The trail on the right is the continuation of the Multnomah Creek Way Trail, which goes through the former crater on Larch Mountain and the source of the springs that become Multnomah Creek (and eventually Multnomah Falls). Continue on the Multnomah Spur Trail for about 0.8 miles to a junction with the Oneonta Trail. Turn right here and continue for about 2.2 miles. This is one of the quietest sections of trails in the area. The Oneonta Trail ends at Larch Mountain Road. Continue on the road for 0.3 miles back to the trailhead.

view of Mount Hood from Sherrard Point

using the Peakfinder app to ID the peaks

Sherrard Point

on the Larch Mountain trail

old bridge over Multnomah Creek

trail junction

Multnomah Creek Way trail

root-filled trail

upturned tree roots as sculpture

rhododendrons were plentiful in one section of the trail

interesting rocky formation with trees growing at the top

view from the trail