Larch Mountain Trail - 13.6 Miles Round-Trip

The Larch Mountain Trail runs 6.8 miles from Multnomah Falls to Larch Mountain Trailhead, where a .25 mile path continues up to Sherrard Point (4,056') with views out to Mount St Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount Jefferson and Mount Hood.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

This challenging hike features several waterfalls, scenic bridges, kinetic creeks and diverse forests en route to some of the best views in the Columbia River Gorge.

Larch Mountain Trail (#441) begins at Multnomah Falls and runs steeply past Dutchman, Weisendanger and Ecola Falls to the Wahkeena Trail split.

It then moderates along Multnomah Creek through impressive old growth before steepening away in a montane forest to the Larch Mountain Parking Lot. A paved path leads from the lot to Sherrard Point for climactic views across the gorge:

The trail begins at Multnomah Falls Plaza with postcard-like views of the falls. A paved path climbs .2 miles to Benson Bridge, which spans the 542' and 69' tiers. Steep, paved switchbacks continue to a spur for Multnomah Overlook (1.1 miles : 760'), a short excursion to the falls' precipice.

The Larch Mountain Trail transitions to dirt and dips across a bridge to Dutchman Tunnel, a natural overhang carved from lava. It traces Multnomah Creek to Dutchman Falls, Weisendanger Falls and Ecola Falls with good looks at each.

Weisendanger is most accessible with a quick scramble down to the creek bed, then up to the base of the falls. You'll pass the top of Ecola before reaching the Wahkeena Trail split (1.7 miles : 1,174'). Veer left on the LMT to a long bridge over Multnomah Creek (1.9 miles : 1,190'). Signs recommend only person cross at a time.

Once over, travel moderates along the east bank with easy creek access and views of tributaries and falls on the far side. Notably large cedar and fir line this Jurassic-like corridor.

At 2.4 miles (1,525') you'll reach the High Water Trail split, an option that leads above potentially flooded sections and rejoins the main trail .1 mile ahead.

This is only necessary during peak rains and runoff; the main trail continues right along the water to a clearing and junction with Multnomah Basin Road (2.7 miles :  1,605'). Follow signs across for Larch Mountain Trail.

Here the trail narrows in heavier brush to the Franklin Ridge Trail split (3.0 miles) and a bridge over East Fork Multnomah Creek (3.1 miles : 1,760'). The bridge is fairly narrow and rudimentary compared to others; cross carefully when slick.

The trail continues up the east side of Multnomah Creek to a final (sturdier) bridge back to the west bank (3.6 miles : 2,135'). It steepens away to a long, open talus slide (3.75 miles : 2,260') and resumes steady climbing to the Multnomah Creek Way Trail split (4.8 miles : 2,910').

Grades moderate to a big campsite (5.19 miles : 3,218') just before reaching a junction at Service Road 315 (5.25 miles : 3,210'). Follow signs straight across for Larch Mountain.

Travel steepens once again through dense, uniform timber for another half mile before leveling off to an unmarked fork (6.55 miles : 3,875'). Take the right fork past picnic tables to the Larch Mountain Trailhead Parking Lot (6.8 miles : 3,890').

Follow signs (left) onto a paved path for Sherrard Point. The path runs quickly to a fenced-in outcrop on Sherrard Point (7.05 miles : 4,056'). Helpful signs point to Helens, Adams, Rainier, Jefferson and Hood. Mount Hood, only 22 miles away, is particularly striking from this point.