Larch Mountain Crater Loop

This 6.5-mile loop starts at Larch Mountain Picnic Area, drops into the mountain’s eroded volcanic crater, then climbs back to the trailhead with a Sherrard Point summit spur included. The forest circuit itself is about 6 miles; the last half mile is the paved-and-stepped out-and-back to the viewpoint. Allow about four hours. Larch Mountain is a shield volcano, so this is a walk through its crater rather than just a view from the rim.

Start at the northwest end of the parking area on Trail #441. It drops fairly steeply through dense fir forest, crosses gated Road 315 and an old campsite, and meets Trail #444 after about 1.8 miles. Continue down to the footbridge over Multnomah Creek, then turn upstream along #444 through crater wetlands. A short path leads to a waterlogged meadow, where Sherrard Point’s volcanic plug rises above the bowl.

After the creek, #444 climbs the crater wall along an eroded, rocky creek bed with switchbacks. It is the roughest part and the uphill payoff for the first descent. The trail then joins an old logging railroad grade; it is easier and mostly level for about a mile, with small creek crossings and an opening toward Table and Birkenfeld Mountains. Timber once went down this slope by flume to a mill at Bridal Veil. Lumbermen called the logged noble fir “larch,” which gave the mountain its name.

Turn onto Oneonta Trail #424 through younger forest, then walk roughly 0.4 mile of road back to the picnic area. From the trailhead, take paved Trail #443 and about 120 steps to the fenced Sherrard Point platform; the Columbia Gorge and Cascade peaks spread out below. The spur is part of the 6.5-mile total and gives the route its clearest open view.

Start at Larch Mountain Picnic Area, reached by a 14-mile climb on Larch Mountain Road from the Historic Columbia River Highway near Corbett. A valid recreation pass is required; restrooms are near the trailhead. The route loses about 1,260 feet into the crater and climbs back out, then adds the stair climb to Sherrard Point. Expect mountain bikes on the opening section of Trail #441. The road is narrow, with limited visibility and regular cyclist traffic.

Each winter the snow gate usually closes near Milepost 10, about four miles below the lot. That adds roughly eight miles of road walking round trip, so check county access updates before heading up. Dogs are allowed.