Larch Mountain Trail - Trail # 441

Hike the trails...Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Distance: 6 miles

Hike Time: 3.5 hours approx.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Trail Condition: OK, but a few difficult spots

HikeType: Out and Back

Elevation: 3256 feet

Visitor Use: Medium

Start at the Larch Mountain parking lot where you'll see a spectacular view of the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge. Continue on the Larch Mountain trail to the bottom (six miles) where you will end up at Multnomah Falls.

This is a great trail to take on a sunny afternoon. You enter a lush green forest and meander along, climbing through aging forest and passing several waterfalls along Multnomah Creek. You will pass no less than 5 waterfalls on the way; some are small and shallow, while others are up to 40ft or more and plunge into deep green pools. The trail crosses the river several times. Keep an eye on your footing as you go, the thick canopy does not let in large amounts of light to dry the trail out very quickly after a rainstorm.

You can begin your hike from either end of the Larch Mountain Trail, depending on whether you wish to hike uphill or downhill. Beginning at Multnomah Falls, the first mile is paved and heavily used. From that point, the trail is unpaved. climbs through aging forest and passes several waterfalls along Multnomah Creek.