Larch Mountain Crater Loop
Western Gorge, Oregon
Old growth forest on Larch Mountain (photographer: Oliver Dalton)
Trail Features
Wildflowers
Trail Description Driving Directions
This hike starts at the Larch Mountain Trailhead (#441), at the southwest corner of the parking lot. This area of the Columbia Gorge trails is one of the few open to mountain bikes, although it doesn't seem to see a lot of use. You'll start by passing through a campground, then drop down somewhat steeply through a dense forest, and cross a closed road and a large campsite.Two miles down, turn right on to the Multnomah Creek Way Trail (#444). Continue down to a log bridge over Multnomah Creek, 0.2 miles from the trail junction. Just across the bridge, take Multnomah Creek Spur Trail (#446), then stay to the right and continue on Multnomah Creek Way Trail (#444), traveling upstream. Pass through an area that was once a lake, but has filled in with natural sediments to create a wetland.
The trail continues up switchbacks to the crater wall and an old logging railroad grade. It continues on about one mile to a junction with Oneonta Trail (#424); turn right and head up Oneonta Trail (#424) for almost a mile to Larch Mountain Road. Turn right here and hike up the road for 0.3 of a mile to your car.
- Hike descriptions were collaboratively written with the generous support of oregonhikers.org. + Read More
Trail Details
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Family Friendly: No
Restrooms: Yes
Trailhead Pass: NW Forest Pass
Gorge Trailhead Passes Guide
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Cascade Locks, OR
Larch Mountain Trailhead: From the west, travel east on I-84 to exit #18/Lewis and Clark State Park.At the end of the off-ramp, turn left (south) onto the Historic Columbia River Highway and follow the highway through Corbett. Two miles east of Corbett, the road forks. Take a right onto Larch Mountain Road and follow the road 14 miles to the picnic area and trailhead. From the east, take I-84 west to Exit #22, Corbett Exit/NE Corbett Hill Road. Follow NE Corbett Hill Road until it intersects with East Historic Columbia River Highway. Turn left onto the Historic Highway and travel 5 miles until the road forks. Take a right onto Larch Mountain road and follow the road 14 miles to the picnic area and trailhead. Generally from November - June, the road is closed about halfway up the mountain at the snow gate.
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Eagle Creek to High Bridge, OR
Trail Alert. Click here for more infoJuly 6, 2017: A wildfire in the Upper Eagle Creek area has closed the Eagle Creek trail (#440) starting at the boundary with Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness (to the north) and extending south to its terminus at the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. The portion of the trail from Eagle Creek to High Bridge is not affected by the closure at this time; however, it is recommended that before you hike this trail you check the Forest Service's Alerts & Notices page for up-to-date information about any additional closures.
May 11, 2017: This is not a dog-friendly trail because of steep cliffs. Two dogs have died here recently so please keep your dog at home.
May 11, 2017: This is not a dog-friendly trail because of steep cliffs. Two dogs have died here recently so please keep your dog at home.
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Trail Alert. Click here for more infoThis is not a dog-friendly trail because of steep cliffs. Two dogs have died here recently so please keep your dog at home.
