Sherrard Point Larch Mountain
Summit views of five Cascade peaks and a challenging hike from Multnomah Falls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Sherrard Point Larch Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Summit views of five Cascade peaks and a challenging hike from Multnomah Falls.
"One of the best summit views in the Gorge, hands down."
🚗 Permit Parking is Key
Secure your parking permit online in advance, especially for weekends.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Hiking or trail running shoes are best for the varied terrain and inclines.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 198 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sherrard Point Panoramic Views
Summit of Larch Mountain
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of five Cascade peaks: Hood, Adams, Rainier, St. Helens, and Jefferson.
Multnomah Falls Trail Ascent
Trailhead at Multnomah Falls
A challenging, rewarding hike through old-growth forest with significant elevation gain.
Celestial Event Viewing
Sherrard Point
An ideal spot for stargazing, meteor showers, and special moon events due to minimal light pollution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Permits are Essential
Choose Your Adventure Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Larch Mountain hike
https://goo.gl/photos/Bk3byLPgiUg56cxK8 The gate is still closed at mile marker 10. I didn't hit snow until right before mile marker 14. If you want to skip a difficult chunk of snow, at that mile marker 14 go left directly up the hill and you can bush wack/skip a good…
🚗 Permit Parking is Key
Secure your parking permit online in advance, especially for weekends.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Hiking or trail running shoes are best for the varied terrain and inclines.
Hikes accesible by public transport?
Am travelling to PNW from England in June for 18 days split between Astoria, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver. Been looking up parks and mountain hikes which all look amazing but also, quite rightly, not really near any built up area. Are there any that i can get to via…
Activities to do with low mobility family visitor this time of year ?
Low mobility, but still able to walk short distances, in-law is visiting PDX area for first time in decades. What should we do ? We have some built in activities exploring our house and neighborhood which they have never seen , but I’m so used to walks and hikes for visitors…
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for the longer hikes; amenities are limited on the trail.
🐶 Dogs on Leash Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash.
If you had one extra day in Portland, what would you do?
Hi all. I've read through a ton of the vacation itinerary threads that you are all so helpful with, but I'm having trouble making up my mind, so I figured I'd ask more specifically to our travels. Scenario: My wife and I are travelling to Portland for our 20th anniversary…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Permit Parking is Key
Secure your parking permit online in advance, especially for weekends.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
Hiking or trail running shoes are best for the varied terrain and inclines.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Essential for the longer hikes; amenities are limited on the trail.
🐶 Dogs on Leash Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash.
📸 Capture the Panoramas
Bring your camera for incredible views of the Cascade peaks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular panoramic views from Sherrard Point, calling it one of the best summit views in the Gorge. The challenging hike from Multnomah Falls is praised for its rewarding payoff and solitude, though it's noted as a strenuous all-day endeavor. Some mention past issues with access and environmental changes, but the natural beauty and celestial viewing opportunities remain highlights.
"We haven't been to the top in awhile since they started charging a parking fee but we used to go mushroom hunting in the 90's by the milepost 7 marker down an old logging road from crosscut saws logging in the early 1900's and even found leftover relics old food dumps all over with bottles and cans and a couple of old log frames from a steam engine and cables to pull up logs from the hill where we found the mother load but after the big ice storm in the 90's covered the whole area with fallen trees and then thorny vines grew on top of that it became inaccessible and the mother load was gone. There used to be a homeless man at the entrance for awhile last summer building a hut with branches and boards with a line strung across with clothes hanging on it and waving me on so I couldn't stop when I drove by but I think they cleared him out after that and made him move. A couple of other cars were loading up kids too because they weren't able to get in because he had the entrance blocked. There was about 10,000 little strawberry plants in one section of the rocks but they never have berries on them. Then we found out the fantastic hike in down the dark eerie old growth path that was so dense and dark when you came out because you thought it was getting dark the sun was still up had been stripped of trees on the whole side of the mountain ending the cherished and prized enjoyment and recreation there and I even saw an owl fly down from some trees on the end to get a mouse I think in some stumps and wood then fly back up again I think they might have cut down his home there and now it is just rotting dead wood with no new trees planted what a shame more and more of the area has been disappearing."
Tom Wheeler
"Great panoramic view of the mountains and sky. We took the long route from the #441 connector trail, which was nice and uphill all the way out/downhill back, but you can also park right by the point. Fairly busy but not overly so."
Dylan Varga
"This isn’t your average tourist loop around Multnomah. This is the full send—an all-day vertical grind that reminds you exactly why you hike. If you’re looking for a challenge with big payoffs and even bigger elevation gains, Larch Mountain via Multnomah is for the real ones.
The trail kicks off at the base of Oregon’s most photographed waterfall—Multnomah Falls—surrounded by selfie sticks, sandals, and lattes. But once you pass the Benson Bridge and start the climb, the crowds vanish fast. From here on out, it’s a long, relentless ascent—about 14+ miles round trip with 4,000+ feet of elevation gain. You’ll earn every foot.
Trail conditions are solid, shaded most of the way, and a mix of switchbacks, creek crossings, and dense old-growth forest that keeps things peaceful even when your legs start questioning your life choices. The solitude deepens after the Wahkeena junction, and by the time you hit the Larch Mountain Trail proper, you’re in it—no noise, no crowds, just the sound of your boots and your breath.
The final push to Sherrard Point is a stone staircase that feels like a rite of passage. And the reward? Panoramic views of five Cascade peaks—Hood, Adams, Rainier, St. Helens, and Jefferson—on a clear day. Honestly, one of the best summit views in the Gorge, hands down."
Sid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sherrard Point is located atop Larch Mountain. The most direct access is via the Larch Mountain Road from the Historic Columbia River Highway. For those seeking a more adventurous route, the Sherrard Point trail can be accessed from the base of Multnomah Falls, offering a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain.
Unfortunately, Larch Mountain and its trailheads are not easily accessible by public transport from Portland or other major cities. Renting a car is generally recommended for reaching the summit or the Multnomah Falls trailhead.
Parking is available at the summit of Larch Mountain, but a permit is required. It's highly recommended to purchase this permit online in advance, as availability can be limited, especially on busy days.
Yes, you can drive directly to the vicinity of Sherrard Point via Larch Mountain Road. There is a parking area near the summit, from which it's a short walk to the viewpoint.
The 'Larch Mountain trail' often refers to the longer, more challenging hike starting from Multnomah Falls, which leads to the summit. Sherrard Point itself is the specific viewpoint at the summit, accessible by a short walk from the Larch Mountain parking area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a parking permit is required for the Larch Mountain summit parking area. It's best to purchase this permit online in advance to guarantee your spot.
While there isn't an entrance fee for the viewpoint itself, there is a parking permit fee required for vehicles parking at the Larch Mountain summit. Prices can vary, so check the official website for current rates.
Larch Mountain Road is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through fall, depending on snow conditions. The summit area and Sherrard Point are accessible during daylight hours when the road is open.
If you are hiking the full loop from Multnomah Falls, you won't need a parking permit for the Larch Mountain summit. However, if you plan to drive to the summit parking lot, the permit is mandatory.
Parking permits for Larch Mountain can typically be purchased online through the relevant recreation or forest service website. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially for popular dates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
This is a strenuous, all-day hike (approximately 14+ miles round trip) with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. It involves relentless ascents, switchbacks, creek crossings, and passes through dense old-growth forest, offering solitude after the initial crowds at Multnomah Falls.
Restroom facilities are generally available at the Larch Mountain summit parking area. It's always a good idea to check current conditions or be prepared with your own supplies.
The short walk from the Larch Mountain parking lot to Sherrard Point is easy and suitable for most. However, the full hike from Multnomah Falls is considered challenging and not recommended for novice hikers or very young children due to its length and elevation gain.
On a clear day, Sherrard Point offers spectacular panoramic views of five major Cascade peaks: Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Jefferson. It's also a prime spot for celestial events.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails and at the summit of Larch Mountain, provided they are kept on a leash.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at Sherrard Point, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow on the surrounding peaks. Clear afternoons provide excellent visibility for capturing the full panorama.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive panoramic views from Sherrard Point. For the hike, consider a lightweight setup. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or capturing star trails at night.
The main viewpoint at Sherrard Point offers the iconic panorama. Exploring slightly off the main path (while staying safe and on designated areas) can reveal unique angles of the mountain range.
Capture the journey by photographing the switchbacks, the dense forest, and any creek crossings. The contrast between the lush greenery and the distant peaks is also a great subject.
Absolutely! Sherrard Point is a fantastic location for astrophotography, especially during meteor showers or full moons, due to its elevation and relatively low light pollution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit