Larch Mountain's Summit

Done as a loop or one way shuttle (in summer/fall), the full Larch Mountain experience starts at the large (but still always full) Multnomah Falls parking lot. There you'll have the chance to grab a final snack, use the restroom, and fill water bottles before joining all the "tourist" hikers on the paved walk up to the top of the falls, where they tend to stop and this adventure truly begins.

What the crowds don't know as they turn back around is that the Multnomah Falls is just the first in the series. Within 10 minutes of departing the overlook, you'll have wandered past a small, but immensely powerful fall, under a rock overhang and up to another sizable fall with several more to follow. No, none of them are near the height of Multnomah, but you can get a whole lot closer and even go in during the summer (watch for the swift current and cold temps).

This continues on for miles to come with falls named and unnamed as you snake up up the mountain. Eventually the trail turns away from the water though it remains a fairly spectacular view the entire way to the top with a variety of pacific northwest terrain types depending on the section and time of year.

As you near the top, the trees thin out and you enter a wooded picnic area before stepping foot onto pavement - there is a parking lot, restroom and water up top (you can drive here, but why?!). It's a few hundred more yards up some large wood and dirt stairs to the vista point where you can see incredible views of the Cascade Mountains.

This hike is done year round though you will find snow (and potentially significant amounts) starting late fall and lasting through spring. The summit road closes with this change making for even fewer crowds and more fun!