Sunday, February 07, 2016

2016.2.7. Larch Mountain from Multnomah Falls


2/7, Sunday. Sunny and warm (~61°F). 6 of us hiked up from Multnomah Falls to Sherrard Point. About 14 miles RT and 4000' elevation gain. We finished in less than 7 hours (including a 30+ minute lunch break at the top) and 7 people!
Early morning at Multnomah Falls is always pleasant, especially in spring after lots of rain. Not many people. Well, when we came down, there were quite many that we had to slow down our pace. This is a Superbowl Sunday. Good to see this many people outdoors instead of in front of a TV.

The first mile is going up to the top of Multnomah Falls, then follow Multnomah Creek upstream for a couple of miles. This stretch is very pretty. A deep green gorge with mossy vines and trees. In winter, no leaves to block the view. A number of falls and cascades. The sound of water is so loud that I had to turn my headset off. Muddy and wet at times, but none too bad. Then it gets a bit boring, as you have gone out of the gorge, and reached the Benson Plateau, and yes, snow. The trail has been hiked enough that it's easily visible. The snow is packed down, and tracking device isn't absolutely necessary. When you see picnic tables, you know you are close to the top. There is a big parking lot here. Fortunately, the road is closed in winter. Yes, don't hike here in a summer weekend: way too crowded. The last short stretch to the left leads to the Sherrard Point, and a magnificent 360° view. North: Goat Rocks, St Helens, Rainier, Adams. South: Hood, Jefferson. All very clear today. Climb on the big rock outside of the fence for a better view of the Columbia River - be careful. No wind. Warm. At least in the 60s°F.

I got back home early enough: showered, in time for Superbowl's half time show. What a strange game.