Birds and Volcanoes: Sherrard Point, Larch Mountain

SEE DIRECTIONS AT BOTTOM
Wanna climb a volcano in under an hour?

Larch Mountain is an extinct shield volcano (read: wide and flat) in the Columbia River Gorge and beautiful Larch Mountain Road is the highest forest road in Multnomah County. The trailhead parking lot sits only a few hundred feet below a grand lookout at the summit and we'll polish it off at our leisure.

The object of my lust on this trail every year is the rock penstemon. It's a hot pink little number that lights up the exposed basalt at the top like frosting on a birthday cake. I've also seen red crossbills, warblers, eagles, playful ravens, and saucy Steller's jays. Mt. Hood is dramatic from the viewpoint and on a good day you'll get St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, and Jefferson in the bargain! People get married up there just for the backdrop and sunsets are legendary.

We'll meet in the parking area and do the 0.6 mile round trip trail out and back very slowly. The initial part is paved, very wide, and relatively flat but it transforms into a gauntlet of stairs, rock, and gravel before the summit. Some of the stairs are steep and tall. Go as slow as you need, we'll be pausing for birds and wildflowers, anyway. Trekking poles help if you have needy knees.

NOTE: This trail is at elevation, which means you'll be feelin' it. We'll start at about 4000', as high as Government Camp, so take 'er easy and drink lots of water, it helps.

We'll linger at the top for photography and repose (no seating last time I checked, just metal railings to lean on), however you're welcome to book it back down if you want to do part of Larch Mountain Trail #441 (I hear there's a bridge out but people are saying it's no biggie to cross the creek). We have an option of a small loop on the way back to check out a historic automobile turnaround, but we'll see what shape that trail is in.

Please get there at least 15 minutes early to gear up, pay your fee, buy a parking pass (if you don't have a Northwest Forest or America the Beautiful Pass), and use the restroom because we will be starting promptly on time. There's a cash-only fee station on site for the parking pass or you can buy it online and print it out.

Bring $5 cash, $5 for day use parking pass (or your Northwest Forest Pass/America the Beautiful Pass), water, snacks, binoculars, camera equipment, trekking poles, insect repellent, and WEATHER appropriate clothing (full sun and wind exposure at the top). Restroom facility on site. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.

*** DIRECTIONS ***
Go east on I-84 and take exit 22 to Corbett.
After 1.4 mi., go left on NE Corbett Hill Rd.
After 0.5 mi. keep left on E. Historic Columbia River Hwy.
After 1.4 mi. keep right on E. Larch Mtn. Rd.
After 3.4 mi. keep left on E. Larch Mtn. Rd.
After 11 miles, park in fee lot. Look for my deep blue Honda CRV.