Saturday, fog, then sunny. 7 of us started at Multnomah Falls lodge (only 30 minutes from Gateway P&R) ~9 am for
Larch Mountain.
14 miles, 4000' gain, but not steep. It was still early: not many people. It would be a zoo when we returned ~4 pm. Paved switch-backs until the top of Multnomah Falls, ~1 mile. The trail follows Multnomah Creek, passing a couple of waterfalls and cascades, very scenic. The autumn leaves add much color. Passed trail junction to Wahkeena Trail (turn right to loop to Wahkeena Falls), Multnomah Basin Rd, then Franklin Ridge Trail (turn left to Oneonta Falls, Horsetail Falls) at mile 5 (?). Eventually, you'll see picnic tables and a giant empty parking lot. Turn left for steps to Sherrard Point.
The view at Sherrard Point is outstanding. 360°.
To the north: St Helen, Rainier, Adams. To the south: Hood (22 miles away) and Jefferson are clear. This is more pleasant now, because the road is closed half way down. So only hikers and bikers come this far. A long lunch break. Warm enough to walk bare foot. My 2nd time here this year. Last time I saw nothing: rain.
Saturday, fog, then sunny. 7 of us started at Multnomah Falls lodge (only 30 minutes from Gateway P&R) ~9 am for Larch Mountain. 
14 miles, 4000' gain, but not steep. It was still early: not many people. It would be a zoo when we returned ~4 pm. Paved switch-backs until the top of Multnomah Falls, ~1 mile. The trail follows Multnomah Creek, passing a couple of waterfalls and cascades, very scenic. The autumn leaves add much color. Passed trail junction to Wahkeena Trail (turn right to loop to Wahkeena Falls), Multnomah Basin Rd, then Franklin Ridge Trail (turn left to Oneonta Falls, Horsetail Falls) at mile 5 (?). Eventually, you'll see picnic tables and a giant empty parking lot. Turn left for steps to Sherrard Point. 
The view at Sherrard Point is outstanding. 360°. 
To the north: St Helen, Rainier, Adams. To the south: Hood (22 miles away) and Jefferson are clear. This is more pleasant now, because the road is closed half way down. So only hikers and bikers come this far. A long lunch break. Warm enough to walk bare foot. My 2nd time here this year. Last time I saw nothing: rain.
