18 miles of hiking • 5000' elevation gain •
Winds in the gorge were howling, as I drove down I-84 yesterday, so I decided a "training" hike up Larch might offer the most respite as so much of that route is wooded. Left the lodge just a bit past 10am, and beat my old record by getting to Sherrard Point by about 1pm. Initially, I had the place to myself, and hadn't seen another soul since about half-way up.
The ground was frozen from about the talus field (2400') upwards, especially in the shade. By 3000', it was frozen solid everywhere. Ice crystals were protruding in places. On top, the temperature was 27°F with gusts to about 30 mph. I know, kinda slow, considering. I think I hit a lull, as the walk along the north crater rim was almost spooky. Those hemlocks were groaning, with occasional pops that made me wonder.
Two other groups came up to Sherrard while I was there; both left before I did. One confirmed the snow gate is now closed for the season. I think I was at the look out for under 15 minutes, before heading back down to the parking lot in search of a bit of reasonable calm sunlight to eat my lunch in.
Since it was only 1:30-ish as I got ready to leave, I decided to take the longer route back down, making a loop for the day. Followed the road for a bit before diving down the Oneonta Trail. This too was mostly frozen, but as I neared the Bell Creek junction, there was a profusion of mushrooms and other fungus; some, the likes of which I'd never seen before. Anyway, took Oneonta to Franklin Ridge, and followed that back to Multnomah Creek. The ridgeline was also howling windy.
Not much fall color left to report. Some nice maples on lower part of Franklin Ridge. The rest was on the forest floor.
Great day in the woods! :-)
