Larch Mountain
Larch Mountain is the perfect place to spend a day outdoors. The Larch Mountain trail is one of the most popular hikes in Oregon. There are plenty of things to do, including hiking, biking, and bird watching. The views from the top of Larch Mountain are stunning, and it’s definitely worth the hike!
This moderate hike can be completed by hikers of all ages (some steep sections). To cure your sweet tooth afterward, check out Yolk Portland for the best breakfast in town.
They offer a unique variety of Benedicts and scrambles, as well as pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Be sure to order one of their delicious house-made syrups on top!
There are a few things to keep in mind before heading out on the Larch Mountain trail. It’s about a three-hour drive from Portland, and the last five miles of the road are unpaved and can be pretty bumpy. The trail is also very popular, so that it can get crowded on weekends.
History of Larch Mountain
Larch Mountain is a dormant volcano that last erupted about 220,000 years ago. It’s the tallest peak in the Boring Lava Field, a volcanic field located in east Multnomah County and west Clackamas County.
Explorer Simon Peter Kistler named the mountain on October 30, 1851. He reported finding many larch trees (trees that produce the soft, durable wood known as tamarack).
Facts About Larch Mountain
-Length: Moderate; Distance: Approximately 12 miles round trip
-Elevation Gain: Approx. 2800 feet
-The Larch Mountain trail is about four miles roundtrip
-It’s a moderate hike, with an elevation gain of about 1400 feet
-Yolk Portland offers the best breakfast in town, with a unique variety of Benedicts and scrambles, as well as pancakes, waffles, and French toast
-Dogs are not allowed on the trail, and there is no water available once you leave the parking lot
-The best time to hike Larch Mountain is during the fall, when the larch trees turn a beautiful golden color.
What to See at Larch Mountain
-Larch Mountain trail: This trail is four miles roundtrip and offers spectacular views of Mount Hood and nearby Middle & North Sister Mountains, as well as a beautiful valley panorama.
-Larch Mountain summit: The summit reveals incredible 360-degree views that include the Columbia River Gorge, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Oregon’s tallest peak, Mount Hood, and the Cascade Mountains.
-The Boring Lava Field: This is a volcanic field located in east Multnomah County and west Clackamas County that was last active about 220,000 years ago. It’s the home of Larch Mountain, which is the tallest peak in the field.
-Mount Hood-, Three Fingered Jack in the Cascade Range, and Black Butte.
-Yolk Portland: Offers the best breakfast in town, with a unique variety of Benedicts and scrambles as well as pancakes, waffles, and French toast.
-Middle & North Sister Mountains: These sisters are located in central Oregon and have a combined summit elevation of about 9740 feet/2997 m.
-Columbia River Gorge: The Columbia River has carved this gorge through the Cascade Mountains, with cliffs towering up to 4000 feet/1219 m above the river. It’s one of many scenic areas along Interstate 84.
-Oregon’s tallest peak: Mount Hood is Oregon’s tallest mountain and has a summit elevation of 11,239 feet/3425 m.
-Cascade Mountains: This range runs from British Columbia in the north to California in the south and contains many iconic peaks, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Shasta.
-American martens: These small, weasel-like mammals are found in forested areas throughout the Pacific Northwest. They’re active during the day and at night and eat a variety of small prey, including rodents, birds, insects, and fruit.
-Wildlife includes deer, foxes, pikas (small mammals), western gray squirrels, Douglas Squirrels, Townsend’s chipmunks, and American martens.
-Tamarack trees: These trees can be identified by their slim and lanky branches, as well as the needles that turn a bright golden color in autumn.
-Birds: The beautiful blue heron is one of many birds you might spot on this trail.
-Scenic views: On clear days, hikers may see Mount Hood’s glaciers from the summit of Larch Mountain.
-Caves: There are several caves along the trail, including Sherrard Point Cave. The cave is about 20 feet deep and located on a rock outcropping at an elevation of 2420 ft/740 m.
-Wildflowers: Larch Mountain is home to many different wildflower species, including orange painted trilliums, Oregon violets, nodding brome grasses, and redstem ceanothus.
Things to Do at Larch Mountain
Some of the things you can do at Larch Mountain includes the following:
– hiking the trails
– exploring the Boring lava field
– visiting the summit
-eating at Yolk in Portland
– visiting the Middle & North Sister Mountains and Columbia River Gorge
– exploring Oregon’s tallest peak Mount Hood
– checking out the Cascade Mountain Range.
You might spot wildlife along the trail, including deer, foxes, pikas (small mammals), western gray squirrels, Douglas Squirrels, Townsend’s chipmunks, and American martens. The blue heron is one of many birds you might see on this trail. Several caves along the trail, including Sherrard Point Cave, are only accessible when the snow has melted. It can fit three people standing up comfortably next to each other at its deepest point. Larch Mountain is home to many different wildflower species, including orange painted trilliums, Oregon violets, and redstem ceanothus.
What to Take on Your Hike
-Sunscreen: This is a must-have on hikes between May and September.
-Hiking boots: Make sure they’re comfortable, broken in, and the correct type of shoe for your hike (trail running shoes vs. hiking boots).
-Walking sticks or poles: These may come in handy if you have joint pain or any medical conditions that affect your balance.
-First aid kit: Bring bandages, gauze pads for covering blisters and scrapes, antibiotic ointment to prevent infection of wounds or new tattoos), moleskin (for preventing blisters on heels, toes & ankles), tape (to help stop bleeding of the feet during long hikes), ibuprofen or aspirin, and tweezers for removing ticks.
-Food: Bring a snack to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
-Water: Don’t forget water! Make sure you bring enough for everyone at your hiking party. You may want more if it’s hot outside or if you’re going on a longer trail than you’re used to.
-Bug spray: This is a must if you’re going to be hiking in the summertime.
-Sunhat: A sunhat can help protect your head and neck from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
-Jacket: Even on hot days, it’s always a good idea to have a jacket if the weather changes.
-Backpack: A backpack is essential for carrying all of your supplies on a hike. Make sure it’s comfortable and fits well. You don’t want to be carrying a heavy pack for miles!
-Bear horn: A handy tool for letting bears know you’re coming and keeping them away from your campsite.
-Personal locator beacon (PLB): This device is used to signal distress using a global positioning system (GPS) or satellite network. If something were to happen, it helps rescuers find you quickly – even in remote areas where cell phone service is unavailable.
Hiking Tips
-Be sure to bring waterproof hiking boots, as Larch Mountain has many wet and muddy areas
-Plan for a round trip of about five hours. This trail is steep with over 2600 feet elevation gain, so it’s not recommended for beginners or those in shape. It can be slippery due to loose rocks near the summit too.
-Hikers planning to summit Larch Mountain should consider bringing a GPS device. There are many unmarked trails in this area, and it’s easy to get lost if you’re not familiar with the trail system.
-Because of its location, snow can linger on parts of this hike until mid-summer. So be prepared for snowy conditions even late into the season.
-This trail is not recommended for dogs or children due to its steepness and length. As well as the potential dangers associated with a fall from such a high elevation.
Directions to the trailhead: From Portland, take I-84 east to exit 35 for Sandy. Turn left onto OR 211 and drive about 11 miles to US 26. Turn right onto US 26 and drive about 13 miles to a parking area on the left. Park here and then walk back across US 26, where you’ll see signage for the trailhead.
When To Go: Year-round; always check current conditions and trail status before departing.
Location: SE Stark & 52nd Ave
Hours: Mon-Fri: 06:30-14:00, Sat-Sun: 08:00-15:00
Phone Number: (503) 206-8636
If you’re looking for a House Cleaning in Portland, you can book with us!
Next Thing To Do In Portland:
Aspen Limo Tours – Portland Limo & Party Bus Service
