The Multnomah Falls to Larch Mountain trail in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge is one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic day hikes, combining the grandeur of a famous double-tiered waterfall with a sustained climb through old-growth forest to an ancient volcanic summit. The trailhead sits at the base of Multnomah Falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway at Bridal Veil, approximately 30 miles east of Portland in Multnomah County. The Columbia Gorge Express shuttle departs from Gateway MAX station for $8 round-trip, making car-free access practical; parking at the falls fills completely by 9 a.m. on summer weekends and the shuttle is strongly encouraged.
The route begins at 150 feet elevation, crosses the iconic Benson Bridge above the lower falls, then switchbacks steeply through Douglas fir and bigleaf maple forest. The first 2 miles gain nearly 1,200 feet, passing Multnomah Creek and several viewpoints. Beyond the falls, the trail flattens slightly through the Larch Mountain Wilderness, traveling through dense old-growth stands and past Ecola Falls, Weisendanger Falls, and connecting trails to Wahkeena Falls. The final push to Larch Mountain climbs through subalpine meadows to the 4,055-foot summit. The Sherrard Point lookout, a short spur from the summit, delivers panoramic views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Jefferson on clear days.
The trail surface is well-maintained dirt and gravel switchbacks near the falls, transitioning to rooted forest trail higher up. Tree cover provides substantial shade through most of the route; the summit meadow and Sherrard Point are fully exposed. No reliable water sources exist above the base of the falls; hikers should carry sufficient water from the trailhead. The trail gains approximately 3,900 feet over 6.4 miles and is rated strenuous. No wilderness permit is required for day use, though a Recreation Area Pass or America the Beautiful pass covers parking at overflow lots. The trail is open year-round, but conditions above 1,500 feet can be icy from November through March, requiring microspikes. The Larch Mountain summit road is gated in winter, eliminating the upper trailhead option. The hike is typically snowfree from late June through October, with autumn colors peaking in late October.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah County
- Best season
- June–October (trail open year-round but icy in winter above 1,500 ft)
What to bring
- Waterproof hiking shoes or boots
- Rain jacket (gorge is always damp)
- Water and snacks
- Trekking poles for steep sections
Location
53000 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR 97010
45.5762, -122.1157 View on map
Highlights
- Multnomah Falls — Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet, with a walk-across view from Benson Bridge above the lower tier
- Sherrard Point summit lookout offering panoramic views of five Cascade volcanoes on clear days
- Old-growth Douglas fir and bigleaf maple corridor through the Columbia River Gorge Wilderness
- Four named waterfalls — Ecola, Weisendanger, Wahkeena, and Multnomah — accessible along or near the trail
- Columbia Gorge Express shuttle access from Portland's Gateway MAX station, eliminating parking stress
Tips for visiting
- Take the Columbia Gorge Express shuttle ($8 round-trip from Gateway MAX) — trailhead parking fills completely on summer weekends before 9 a.m.
- Carry at least 2 liters of water; no reliable sources exist above the base of Multnomah Falls.
- Microspikes or traction devices are essential above 1,500 ft from November through March.
- Start early to secure clear Sherrard Point summit views before afternoon clouds build in from the coast.
- Combine the return via the Wahkeena Trail for a loop variation that adds another named waterfall to the descent.
When to visit
Late June through October offers the best summit conditions with a snowfree trail above 1,500 ft. Spring visits in April and May see peak waterfall flow at Multnomah Falls and wildflowers in the gorge, though the upper trail may retain snow patches.
Accessibility
The paved section from the visitor center to Benson Bridge — approximately 0.2 miles — is wheelchair-accessible and provides a direct view of the lower falls. The trail above the bridge is steep, unpaved, and not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Multnomah Falls without a car?
The Columbia Gorge Express shuttle runs from Gateway MAX station in Portland to the falls for $8 round-trip per adult. Shuttles operate every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays from late spring through fall. This is the preferred option as trailhead parking is extremely limited.
Is a permit required to hike to Larch Mountain?
No wilderness permit is needed for day hiking. A Recreation Area Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for parking at lots along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The Columbia Gorge Express shuttle eliminates the parking requirement.
What are the summit views like from Larch Mountain?
The Sherrard Point lookout at the summit offers views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Jefferson on clear days. Views are best in the morning before afternoon haze builds, and in late fall after the first frosts clear the air.
How difficult is the climb to Larch Mountain?
The hike gains 3,900 feet over 6.4 miles, making it strenuous. The first 2 miles below Multnomah Falls feature the steepest sustained switchbacks. The upper portion through old-growth forest is more gradual but still requires steady climbing over several miles.