Larch Mountain Loop

This is a great but strenuous loop, pretty close to Portland (1 hour). You can really fly down the hills – but you have to be willing to climb out! The loop is also fun in either direction. It’s a good place to work over a full-suspension bike, and you can do multiple loops or combinations if you have time.

This is a steep up-and-down loop, with fast turns and bumpy roots and rocks. The loop starts at the top, so you get the descent before the climb out. The bike-legal loop is Upper Trail 441, Trail 446, and Upper Trail 424, and you can also do the Trail 444 cutoff, which is extra-technical. Be sure not to go below Trail 446 on either Trail 441 or 424, as those sections are not open to bikes. Also be sure to catch the view at Sherrard Point while you’re there.

Take Larch Mountain Road from the Gorge Scenic Hwy – the junction is between the Women’s Forum overlook and the Vista House at Crown Point. Then it’s 14 twisty miles up to the parking lot near the top of Larch Mountain. You need a Forest Pass for parking, or to buy a day pass there. Also, the trail starts at 3,800 feet, so it’s often snow-covered into mid-July.

Seasons: Summer, Fall