Larison Creek
​Hike details:
Mileage: 10 miles round trip w/ 1,650 ft. elevation gain
Approximate hike time: 4 hours 20 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: Low
Highest elevation: 2,200 ft. Lowest elevation: 1,550 ft.
General location: 5 miles south of Oakridge - Willamette National Forest
Accessible: Year-round
(Best time to go is April and May for lush greenery and the end of September through October for fall colors).
Permits required: N/A
Pit toilet at trailhead: No
Trail allows: Dogs, mountain biking, camping
Possible dangers: N/A
Approximate hike time: 4 hours 20 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.3 mph
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail usage: Low
Highest elevation: 2,200 ft. Lowest elevation: 1,550 ft.
General location: 5 miles south of Oakridge - Willamette National Forest
Accessible: Year-round
(Best time to go is April and May for lush greenery and the end of September through October for fall colors).
Permits required: N/A
Pit toilet at trailhead: No
Trail allows: Dogs, mountain biking, camping
Possible dangers: N/A
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Description:Larison Creek Trail #3646 is a wonderful and underrated hike close to Oakridge. This hike is great to do in all seasons, however early spring and fall time are the best. The trail starts out to the right of the parking area (there is room for about 6 cars to park) and it meanders along the edge of Larison Cove. Here you are exposed to the sun early in the day, so on late spring and summer days these few miles will be very warm. Also watch out for poison oak in this spot. Larison Cove is fairly narrow and you can easily see to the other side, which has thick lush old growth forest. It actually looks kind of spooky, and if you yell across the water, your echo comes back to you as clear as day.
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The trail follows the cove which gets smaller until it becomes a stream (Larison Creek). At this point the trail tucks into the forest and you will be in the shade for the remainder of the hike. After hiking for 1.5 miles you will see a primitive campsite to the right and to the left of the trail, and to the left, a trail leading down to Larison Creek. The open meadow by the creek is beautiful and perfect for a picnic if you have younger kids who can't hike very far. This spot is great for hanging out in the spring sunshine and the kids can play with rocks and splash in the water.
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After the primitive campsite, it is about 1.5 miles to what is known to many people as “Small Pool”. There is a 10-foot long area of bedrock that slides into the perfect little pool. In spring, with all of the new green growth on the trees, this spot can be hard to find and it is easy to walk right past it. It is easier to spot in the fall with less vegetation. If you hike to this pool and back the hike is a total of 6 miles. If you would like to hike farther along this beautiful creek, you can continue on the trail.
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(Small Pool)
After “Small Pool” the trail becomes extremely lush and green, due to the canyon getting more narrow and getting much less sun. Here you will find lots of very tall Rhododendron bushes, which generally bloom around mid-June in this climate. For about 1 mile the trail has a 300 ft. elevation climb up and away from the creek, which you then lose again on your way back down to the creek on the other side. You will get some beautiful tight canyon and river views right before getting to where Larison Creek forks. The trail crosses the right arm of the creek via an old log. From here it is another 1.1 miles to where the trail ends at a road 700 ft. up the hill.
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(Larison Cove in April)
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Unless you are mountain biking this trail, or want to go see the road, there is no reason to hike the last 1.1 miles. This extends the hike and makes it 12 miles in length, and there is nothing spectacular that you would be missing. There is a neat spot down by the creek near the fork to enjoy the convergence of the two creeks and to take a little break before turning around.
Larison Creek Trail is highly recommended to everyone! Because it is also a fairly popular mountain bike trail, this trail is very well maintained and easy to walk on. There is not much elevation gain, and if you are hiking with small children or you are not up for a 6 - 10 mile hike, you can just hike the 1.5 miles in to Larison Cove and enjoy this beautiful area. |
Directions:
From Eugene
- Drive OR-58 east towards Oakridge for a total of 35.4 miles. Drive 1.3 miles past the town of Oakridge and then turn right at a sign for Hills Creek Dam. After 0.5 miles turn right onto paved Rd. 21 and follow this windy road uphill for 3.3 miles. The trailhead is on your right, clearly marked by a hiker symbol sign. (Total of 48.6 miles)
- Drive south on US-97 to Crescent/Gilcrest for a total of 46.9 miles. Turn right onto Crescent Cutoff Rd. for 12 miles and then turn right onto OR-58 west towards Oakridge for 35.6 miles. Between milepost markers 38 and 37 turn left at a sign for Hills Creek Dam. After 0.5 miles turn right onto paved Rd. 21 and follow this windy road uphill for 3.3 miles. The trailhead is on your right, clearly marked by a hiker symbol sign. (Total of 98.9 miles)
- Total of 110 miles via Eugene.
- Total of 155 miles via Eugene.
*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: The trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.