The last time I tried to get up to Larch Mountain (which was in early June), it was a no go – the road was still closed post winter. Only 4000 feet up, the road is masked by trees and only plowed up to where the residential area stops, so it takes a while for a natural melt.
About 16 miles from the Women’s Forum Scenic Viewpoint on the old scenic highway, Larch Mountain is one of the lesser known gems in the area. A short walk from the parking lot (which requires a fee or forest pass) is Sherrard Point – from here you can see up to five of the Cascade volcanoes depending on the weather.
St Helens, Adams and Hood are the closest – you need to try a little harder to spot Rainier and Jefferson.
A little fog floating through the valleys can be quite beautiful…
