This hike circles the rim of Larch Mountain, a former volcanic peak in the Columbia River Gorge.

distance: 6.2 miles
elevation gain: 1,360 ft.
difficulty: moderate
best season: spring, summer, fall
hike description: OregonHikers.org – Larch Mountain Rim loop
drive time from Portland: 50 minutes
parking pass: NW Forest Pass

Trail Map

The Hike

The road to Larch Mountain is closed for the winter, usually from November to May depending on snow levels. I especially like this hike in early summer when the rhododendrons are blooming.

We started at the top of Larch Mountain and took the Larch Mountain trail, Multnomah Spur Trail, and Oneonta trail to complete the loop.

The forest scenery changes from lush undergrowth to no undergrowth and back again in a short distance.

This trail had a lot of rhododendrons…

New wilderness signs and permit boxes have been installed where the trail enters the wilderness boundary.

The East Fork of Multnomah Creek was easy to cross on this day. I’ve been here in the spring when it was raging with water and uncrossable without getting wet.

Getting close to the end of the loop, we took a short side trail to views of the Gorge.