21 Larch Mountain Crater–Sherrard Point

This short trail takes you to the rocky promontory of Sherrard Point on the summit of Larch Mountain. From this summit vantage point, you’ll have outstanding views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson.

Distance: 0.6 mile out and back

Hiking time: 15 to 30 minutes

Elevation gain: 130 feet

Trail surface: Paved path

Best season: Year-round

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted

Fees and permits: No fees or permits required

Schedule: Open all hours

Maps: USGS: Multnomah Falls; Maptech CD: Newport/Portland/Mount Hood/The Dalles

Trail contact: USDA Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, 902 Wasco Ave., Ste. 200, Hood River 97031; (541) 308-1700; www.fs.usda.gov/main/crgnsa/home

Finding the trailhead: From the intersection of I-205 and I-84 in Portland, drive 9.0 miles east on I-84 to exit 18 for Lewis and Clark State Park. At the end of the off-ramp, turn left onto the Columbia River Highway. Continue 0.5 mile and arrive at a STOP sign and intersection. Turn left where a sign indicates HISTORIC HIGHWAY, CORBETT, DABNEY STATE PARK. Proceed 4.0 miles on the Historic Columbia River Highway to a road fork. Go right where a sign indicates HISTORIC HIGHWAY/CORBETT/MULTNOMAH FALLS, and travel 4.5 miles to another road fork. Continue straight (right) on Larch Mountain Road and go 15.5 miles to the Larch Mountain Picnic Area and parking lot. DeLorme: Oregon Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 67 D8 GPS: N45 31.77' / W122 5.29'

The Hike

As the westernmost high point in the Columbia River Gorge, 4,055-foot Larch Mountain is a spectacular natural area and offers some of the best views of the Columbia River Gorge and the surrounding Cascade Mountain peaks from its lofty summit. Douglas, silver, and noble firs grace its slopes along with a thick understory of sword, licorice, and maidenhair ferns. Ironically, no larch trees grow on Larch Mountain—these trees typically grow only on the eastern side of the Cascades. Loggers often mistakenly called the noble fir a “larch,” which led to the misleading name.

This short hike begins at the Larch Mountain Picnic Area. You’ll walk on a paved path and ascend a series of stairs to a viewpoint platform atop Sherrard Point on the summit of the mountain. This rocky promontory rises sharply above a deep, extinct volcano. From the viewing area you can see (on a clear day) five prominent Cascade volcanoes: 8,363-foot Mount St. Helens; 14,410-foot Mount Rainier; 12,276-foot Mount Adams; 11,235-foot Mount Hood; and 10,497-foot Mount Jefferson.

Miles and Directions

0.0Start walking on the paved trail, signed SHERRARD POINT.

0.3Arrive at a viewing platform atop SHERRARD POINT. After enjoying the views, follow the same path back to the trailhead.

0.6Arrive back at the trailhead.