Franklin Ridge

This trail connects the Larch Mountain trail and the Oneonta Trail. It's infrequently hiked, so it's may be difficult to follow, depending on the maintenance it has seen recently.

From the Larch Mountain trail along the creek, the turnoff for Franklin Ridge is unmarked, 2.5 miles up from Multnomah Falls. Set off from the intersection heading east.

At first, the trail is relatively easy to follow, as it winds on a moderate grade towards the ridge itself. Even as it climbs up the ridgeline, the grade is not terribly steep. Yet. Eventually however, the grade does steepen, and the effects of the burn are more evident. Branches and trees litter the trail; this is not a trail to be on in high wind.

Views improve as the trail climbs, and eventually you can see Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, as well as views up the Columbia River and into the Oneonta Creek drainage through the burned out trees.

In places, the trail is hard to follow, but never impossible. A navigation app can be useful here, especially since, counterintuitively, the trail descends to the west of the ridge before linking back up with the Oneonta Trail. 

Luckily though, the Oneonta Trail intersection is well signed. Take the trail to the left to follow the Oneonta Trail back to the river, or you can continue straight ahead, following the Oneonta Trail to the summit of Larch Mountain.