Flowers, Birds, and Volcanoes: Sherrard Point, Larch Mountain

The wildflowers are so spectacular this year, we're doin' this one again!

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 Cliff Beardtongue. It's a hot pink little number that lights up the exposed basalt at the top like candles on a birthday cake. There's a LOT of wildflowers along the trail. I've also spotted red crossbills, warblers, pine siskins, eagles, playful ravens, and saucy Steller's jays. Mt. Hood is all drama 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 the 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 about 100 stairs before the summit. We'll be pausing for birds and wildflowers the whole way, but trekking poles help on the way back down.

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, 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 (a bridge may still be out but people are saying it's no biggie to cross the creek). We'll do a small gravel loop on the way back to check out a historic automobile turnaround buried in the trees with wild rhododrendrons and ferns.

Please get there at least 15 minutes early to gear up, pay your event fee, apply the bug spray (yes, the skeeters are out in force), and use the restroom because we will be starting promptly on time. Buy your Northwest Forest Pass online beforehand because they have gone fully digital and there's no signal at the trailhead, so they've removed the fee station there. They confirm your pass by reading your license plate now.

Bring $10 cash, secure your Northwest Forest Pass/America the Beautiful Pass beforehand, 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.