Larch Mountain Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

13.9
PDI
13.9 mi
DISTANCE
3,099 ft
GAINED
4.1 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Zac Bloomfield, Fairview, OR

INTRO

"Larch Mountain is a long and scenic climb close to the Columbia River Gorge near Portland in northwest Oregon that is a favorite of area cyclists. If you use the Corbett Hill start you almost immediately hit a short section of double digit grade as you head south toward the Columbia River Highway. The grade soon eases and you turn left when you reach the Columbia River Highway. Ride this busier road for several miles over mild grade to just beyond the Portland Women's Forum to the split in the road...This section starts out quite shallow and rolling in spots but soon becomes a consistent uphill, gradually increasing in grade. The last 5 miles or so are a bit steeper..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg.  204.)

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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Average grade is 4.1% (4.5% climb only).  7% of the ride is descent, 49% is at 0-5% grade, and 44% is at 5-10%.  The steepest quarter-mile is 8.8% and steepest mile 6.3%. 

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  Excellent condition two lane road with center stripe and no shoulder. 

Traffic:  Mild.

Parking:  At the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, a half-mile from climb start (Route Map; Street View). 

Fee:  There is a $5 for vehicles but cyclists are free as of 2020. 
Provisions:  There are no spots to get food or water on this climb. The closest food is at  Corbett Country Market 1.7 miles west of the climb start (Route Map; Google Map + Reviews). 
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Be sure to bring a cable and lock and walking shoes to walk the quarter-mile at 10% to Sherrard Point where you have views of three Washington volcanic peaks to the north (Rainier, St. Helens, and Adams), and two Oregon peaks (Hood to the east and Jefferson south) (Google Map + Reviews - note: this is a rare full 5.0 star rating).   Another option is to do the popular and scenic 15 mile out-and-back Larch Mountain Trail (AllTrails - Larch Mountain Trail). 

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Crater Lake
United States (OR)
10 ROUTES
29 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
258.3
mi
DISTANCE
29,750
ft
ELEV. GAIN

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

FROM
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Larch Mountain Road

Ride 14 miles gaining 3,095’ at 4.1% average grade.

This is a wonderful bike climb through the thick forest of Mt. Hood National Forest.

"Larch Mountain is a long and scenic climb close to the Columbia River Gorge near Portland in northwest Oregon that is a favorite of area cyclists. If you use the Corbett Hill start you almost immediately hit a short section of double digit grade as you head south toward the Columbia River Highway. The grade soon eases and you turn left when you reach the Columbia River Highway. Ride this busier road for several miles over mild grade to just beyond the Portland Women's Forum to the split in the road...This section starts out quite shallow and rolling in spots but soon becomes a consistent uphill, gradually increasing in grade. The last 5 miles or so are a bit steeper..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg.  204.)

5 volcanic peaks can be seen from Sherrard Point

Walk your bike from the finish of the climb .3 miles to Sherrard Point for views of 5   Cascade Range volcanoes - Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.