Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
For a hike that gains almost exactly 4,000 feet, this excursion seems relatively forgiving for those in decent shape. The gain is, in fact, constant, and usually not steep enough to quicken your heart beat once you set your pace. The goal is the volcanic plug at the top of Larch Mountain known as Sherrard Point. The mountain itself is one of the three Boring stratovolcanoes (the others being Mount Sylvania and Highland Butte) and is the highest point in the west Gorge; thus, the views are expansive. In addition, throw in some imposing old-growth Douglas-firs and hemlocks, and a variety of Gorge blooms at Sherrard Point in the summer. The lower 4 1/2 miles of the route was scorched by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, with the understory burned out in lower sections and areas of crown fire as you get higher up. The Larch Mountain Trail crosses the westernmost tongue of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. A car shuttle will make this a seven-mile traverse hike. More info: http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Larch_Mountain_Hike
Activity Notes
There might be a break in the weather this weekend and I plan to take full advantage of it by going up Larch mountain. This will be approximately 13 miles roundtrip, with 3900 feet of elevation gain (Alltrails, PeakBagger, CalTopo). Weather is expected to be cold (down to 28 degrees) with slight chance of rain, so watch the weather forecast and dress/carry gear accordingly (Mountain Forecast, NWS). I would recommend trekking pole, gloves, and beanie. From recent reports, there is no need for microspike, but since it might be snowing on Thursday and Friday, I would strongly recommend bringing it. If the weather worsens, I will move this hike to a later time.
6:30 a.m. meet at Mazamas Mountaineering Center. Plan on arriving 10-15 minutes early to check-in and arrange carpools, so we can leave on time. Parking will be on the street, since the parking lot is not available on Sunday. My car is a blue Rav4. We will discuss carpool when you get there.
7:00 a.m. departure from the MMC. Expected drive time is 40 minutes.
7:45 a.m. hike start from Multmomah Fall
12:00 p.m. lunch at the summit
3:30 p.m. back to car
A minimum of 2 liters of water, lunch, sunscreen and warm clothes are recommended (no cotton). If you have any medical condition that requires emergency medication, please bring them along.
Based on a group decision we may stop for fun, food and fellowship at a local eatery on the way back.
Per Mazamas' regulation, hiking group is limited to 12 people, so we can only take additional 10 hikers. If there is a waitlist and someone drops out, I will send an email to all waitlisters and accept the first person who replies.
Nhat Pham contact info: Ph# 281-704-6257; and email: sophyseeker@gmail.com
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 48 miles |
| Distance - Round Trip | 13 miles |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Relevant Maps | CG2 |
| Awards Qualified | Awesome Ridges Award, Gorge High Points, Wild Ones |
| Useful Links | GPS Coordinates Map |
