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Hikers Guide to See Larches in Washington (When & Where)
Some call it “larch season” while others call it “larch madness” and yet others refer to it as “larch o’clock” or the “larch march”. Whatever you hear it referred to as, the time of year when larches turn their brilliant golden color is an exciting time in the Pacific Northwest. In this guide, you will learn when and where to see golden larches in Washington State.
Larches are deciduous conifers that grow at high altitudes. For a brief period of time every October, the larch pine needles turn a vibrant orange-yellow before falling off the tree for the season.
Let’s get into it!
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Complete Guide to Larch Hikes in Washington This Fall
For only a few weeks each fall, thousands of hikers make their way to the high alpine areas of western Washington to trek amongst the golden larches. In early October, the deciduous conifers transform into a stunning golden yellow making some of the most beautiful hikes in the state even more spectacular.
This bucket list experience in Washington State is well anticipated by many.
You will learn the best time of year to plan your trip to view these trees and some of the best trails to view the trees. I’ve even included some hidden gems in this post and where to view these magnificent trees in Seattle proper.
Quick Travel Guide for Larch Hikes
Planning your trip from out of state? Here are some quick links for planning your trip to the Pacific Northwest.
Quick Links
- Flights: If you’re flying in from out of state, the most accessible airport is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Search cheap flights on Aviasales.
- Rental Car: Book your rental car ahead of time! For some of these trails, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended on forest service roads.
- Nearby Lodging & Campgrounds: For lodging, the closest city with a variety of hotels is Winthrop. However, there are open campgrounds along Highway 20. Colonial Creek Campground and Klipchuck Campground are popular places for campers during their Larch March.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for a trip out to Washington at this time of year. With increased wildfire danger, evacuations and closers are possible.
- Best time to go: To view the larches specifically in Western Washington, plan your trip during the first two weeks of October. In late September, the larches in the higher-alpine areas might begin to turn and by late October, needles might already be falling for high-alpine larches but for subalpine larches still be their beautiful golden color. The window of time for seeing these trees is very small.
- Weather: In the North Cascades, where larches are most common, the average high temperature is around 33 Degrees and a low of 19 degrees.
- The recommended amount of time: The recommended amount of time for a trip for larches specifically is five days, two of those days being travel days. Driving to the areas with larches can vary from 3 hours to 5 hours from the Sea-Tac Airport.
- Permits/Pass: Most of the trails require a Northwest Forest Pass.
What Are Larches?
Larch trees (Larix) are found in cool temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. As a deciduous conifer, they have soft needle-like leaves, similar to evergreens. However, unlike evergreens, these needle-like leaves turn a golden yellow in the fall before shedding for winter.
There are three main species of larch tree:
- American Larch or Tamarack (Larix laricina)
- Western Larch (Larix occidentalis)
- Subalpine Larch (Larix lyallii)
Tamarack can be found across America, while Western Larches are concentrated in Washington, Alaska, and throughout Canada. The subalpine larch can be found west of the rock mountains at elevations between 4,900 ft and 9,500 ft.
When Will The Larch Trees Be Golden This Fall?
It is challenging to predict when larches will be at their golden peak during the fall months.
Typically larches at higher elevations, the Subalpine Larch (Larix lyallii), will begin turning in late September and the Western Larch will begin turning in early October.
Larches will all be expected to lose their needles by late October.
Like all deciduous trees, the changing of leaf color comes from the loss of Chlorfyll in the plant cell. Chlorophyll is the location of photosynthesis, the process that provides the plant with food. As the tree prepares for hibernation in the fall, the green chlorophyll dies bringing out the true color of the plant’s leaves.
Fall colors will depend on temperature and soil moisture which is challenging to predict.
However, planning your trip to see larches the first week of October has the highest likelihood of viewing these magnificent trees.
Ten Tips for Larch Viewing in Washington
Before we get into some of the best trails in Washington for larches, here are some tips for larch viewing!
- Check Ahead for Wildfires: This time of year, wildfires are possible in the region. Use this app for the most up-to-date fires in the area.
- Planning Your Day: Larches are typically found in the Central and North Cascades. Expect to drive a couple of hours to your trailhead. Trails can range from a short hike like the 1.9-mile Cutthroat Lake Trail to longer ones like the 18-mile Enchantments thru-hike.
- Timing: The larch needles are at their peak within the first two weeks of October. Plan for a couple of hikes throughout the month to catch the larches at their peak.
- Crowds: Larches are exciting and everyone wants to see them. Be patient and flexible with plans. More popular trails like Blue Lake and Heather-Maple Pass Loop’s parking lot will likely fill up quickly.
- Difficulty Level: Some of the more isolated larch spots require longer, more difficult hikes. For beginners, try shorter trails like Swauk Forest Discover Trail near Blewett Pass.
- Pets: Some trails are pet friendly, like Esmeralda Basin while others prohibit pets on the trail like Lake Ingalls. Both of these trails share a parking lot so be mindful of signage.
- Weather: Layer up! It is essentially winter in the mountains and snow is possible at any moment. Prepare for colder temperatures and changing weather conditions.
- Early Start: On the weekends an early start is before 5 am for a parking spot close to the trailhead. Weekdays are more lenient but still busy.
- Follow Leave No Trace: In areas like North Cascades National Park, this time of year is when the park receives the highest percentage of visitors. Follow leave-no-trace principles to have the least impact on the trail system and surrounding wildlife.
- City Viewing: It does not require a trip to the wilderness to catch a glimpse of a larch! Some areas have planted larches outside of their natural habitat. Larches can be found in the following urban areas: Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle Ravenna Park, Seattle Woodland Park, Bainbridge Island Silver Lake Park, and Yakima Arboretum.
Let’s get into some of the best larch hikes Washington has to offer!
Best Larch Hikes in Washington
It is likely that larches will begin making their way onto social media in early September to ramp up the excitement for the upcoming larch season.
This is a great time to start planning which hikes you want to complete for Larch Madness.
Always check trail conditions, current trail and road closures, and if there are any weather or forest fire warnings prior to driving out to the trailhead.
The trails are in order by area: North Cascades, Snoqualmie Region, Central Cascades, Central Washington, and lastly Eastern Washington.
Blue Lake
Distance: 4.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Area: North Cascades
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: Yes – On Leash
The Blue Lake Trail is one of the most popular trails along the North Cascades Highway. This easy trail is family-friendly and dog-friendly making it rather crowded at points. However, do not let that discourage you from making the short trek to this brilliantly blue lake.
Contrasted against the sapphire blue of the lake, the bright yellow of the larches truly pops in this small mountain basin.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even jump in! Chances are you wouldn’t be alone in this endeavor and it is even likely that you’ll see people hauling paddleboard up to the lake as well.
Heather - Maple Pass Loop
Distance: 7.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,020 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Area: North Cascades
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: No
The Heather-Maple Pass Loop Trail is a classic golden larch trail in Washington State. It is not only one of the best larch hikes, but it also showcases some of the best views Washington has to offer.
Hiking along a spectacular ridgeline, hikers circle around Lake Ann below them with dramatic views of the surrounding cascades. Hikers can choose to take a small detour to Lake Ann if they choose which adds 0.6 miles roundtrip to the total mileage.
Even with a large parking lot, it will likely be filled near sunrise on a weekend day.
Easy Pass
Distance: 7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Area: North Cascades
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: No
Easy Pass is anything but an easy trail, however, it is one of the most stunning trails in North Cascades National Park. In early spring, the stream crossings can be challenging to navigate and often cause people to turn around. However, by late fall, the streams run low and there is no water access up on the pass.
The switchbacks up to Easy Pass are steep and lined with larches, but the trail is mostly exposed. Even in the cool area of the fall, the full sun exposure can be rather daunting.
Of all of the Larch march trails along the North Cascades Highway, Easy Pass typically has fewer people, but still expect the parking lot to be full by early morning.
Cutthroat Pass
Distance: 10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Area: North Cascades
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: Yes – On Leash
If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, now is your opportunity to hike a portion of the trail! The Cutthroat Pass Trail via the Pacific Crest Trail is located off Highway 20 and a three-minute drive from the Maple Pass Loop Trailhead.
The Cutthroat Pass Trail brings you deep into the north cascades mountain range as you climb switchbacks surrounded by larches. The walk is gorgeous and even with 2,000 feet of elevation, over the five miles to the pass, the elevation gain goes relatively unnoticed.
If you’re looking for a longer trail that has slightly fewer people than the more popular trails in the area, this is a great option. This trail is also considered a 100 Classic Hike of Washington for its spectacular wildflower displays in the summer.
HINT: For a shorter trail option, consider hiking Cutthroat Lake which is less than 4 miles round trip and only 400 feet of elevation gain. The trailhead for both Cutthroat Pass and Cutthroat Lake are the same.
Esmeralda Basin
Distance: 7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,750 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Area: Snoqualmie Region
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: Yes – On Leash
A fabulous loop trail that overlooks Lake Ann, Esmeralda Basin is known for its brilliant wildflower display in the summer and vibrant larch trees in the fall.
The trail has stunning views of the jagged Emeralda Peaks, Hawkins Mountain, Mount Daniel, Hinman, and even Mount Rainier from two different passes. While some of the trail has hikers traversing through old-growth forests, the highlights of the trail come from the rocky hillsides.
For an alternative perspective of Esmeralda Basin, you can complete the Lake Ann Hike!
Lake Ingalls
Distance: 9.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Area: Snoqualmie Region
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: No
Lake Ingalls is one of the most popular trails in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and a gorgeous backdrop for fall colors. This trail has phenomenal views of Mount Stuart, the Esmeralda Peaks, and on a clear day Mount Rainier.
The trailhead is shared with another Larch March trail, Esmeralda Basin so be mindful of trail signs that can be easy to miss on a heavily populated trail. The route requires some simple scrambling to reach the lake. The scramble is easy to follow with cairns marking the way.
As you climb Ingalls Pass keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats! This area has large populations of these squared pupil-ed ungulates.
Navaho Peak
Distance: 14.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 4,200 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Area: Snoqualmie Region
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: Yes – On Leash
Navaho Peak is a challenging trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness within the Wenatchee Mountains. The bright-yellow larches along the trail can be seen close to Navaho Pass but the best larch views on the trail come between the pass and the peak.
The trail from the pass to the peak is not for the faint of heart. When you get to the top of the pass, you will veer right to trek to the peak. There is essentially a mile of climbing from Navaho Pass to the peak making for a thigh-burning but rewarding trail. The golden larches between the pass and peak make it the perfect fall trail.
An easier trail in the same Teanaway Ridge Area is the Iron Bear Trail.
Colchuck Lake (& The Enchantments)
Distance: 8.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,280 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Area: Central Cascades
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: No
Colchuck Lake is one of the most popular destinations in Washington regardless of whether it is larch season or not. Widely known as one of the best lake hikes in the Pacific Northwest, expect this trail to be crowded. This special place
The dirt road to the trailhead is long with deep potholes and sharp turns. Navigate the forest service road with care, especially with the influx of people seeking out the trail for larch madness.
The gorgeous Colchuck Lake is surrounded by jagged granite peaks. On the far side of the lake, you will be able to see the bright yellow larches sticking out against the deep blue color of Colchuck Lake.
Colchuck Lake is en route to Aasgard Pass, the gateway to the Enchantments, a larch march thru-hike of 26 miles roundtrip. Completing the Enchantments Trail in one day should not be attempted unless you are an experienced hiker.
Carne Mountain
Distance: 7.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3,600 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Area: Central Cascades
Pass/Permit: None
Dog Friendly: Yes – On Leash
Carne Mountain is known best for its fall foliage and gorgeous golden larch display in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. At the lower elevation of the trail, you will hike through blueberry shrubs and maple trees which turn a brilliant orange and red in the fall before making it to the golden larches at higher elevations.
The trail averages 1,000 feet of elevation gain per mile making it a rather difficult summit. However, with spectacular views of Glacier Peak, Mount Maude, and Clark Mountain among the larches, it is one of the best trails for larches and spectacular views in the Central Cascades.
Clara and Marion Lakes
Distance: 3.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Area: Central Washington
Pass/Permit: None
Dog Friendly: Yes – On Leash
Clara and Marion Lakes are a great trail in the Wenatchee area for larches. The trail is lined with ponderosa pine trees and has a variety of side trails so consider downloading a trail map before heading out. While larches are found throughout the trail, they have the highest concentration at the lakes.
Keep left on the trail when you reach the Squilchuck trail fork to reach Clara Lake and then Marion Lakes.
This is a less popular trail for larch season, so if you’re looking for a trail with fewer people, this is it!
Sherman Peak Loop Trail
Distance: 5.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,110 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Area: Eastern Washington
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Friendly: Yes – On Leash
The Sherman Peak Loop Trail is a fantastic trail in eastern Washington. Breaking out of the dense forest of the Colville National Forest, hikers get to walk amongst the golden larches as they circumvent Sherman Peak. The gorgeous views give way for hikers to see the golden larches dot the forest with their bright luminescence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Larches in Washington
Hiking during larch season is an exciting time in Washington State! It is when some trails receive more foot traffic in two weeks than they do the remaining fifty weeks of the year. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about larches and larch hikes!
If you have your own questions that haven’t been answered in this post, please leave me a comment so I can answer them!
Are there larches in Seattle?
Yes, there are larches in Seattle, Washington! The larches that can be found in urban areas, like Seattle, are not native. You can see larches in Seattle at the following locations:
Are there larches in the North Cascades?
Subalpine Larches are most commonly found in the North Cascades of Washington. Due to the higher elevations and temperature climate of the North Cascades, the growing conditions for the larches are perfect.
The best North Cascade trails for viewing larches are Blue Lake, Heather-Maple Pass Loop, Cutthroat Pass, Cutthroat Lake, and Easy Pass.
Where do larches grow in the US?
Western Larch trees can be found in the northwestern parts of Montana & Idaho. They can also be found in high alpine areas of northern Washington and southeastern British Columbia.
For a full breakdown of where the Larix occidentalis can be found, reference the USDA research facility information here.
Are larches deciduous or coniferous?
Larches are considered a deciduous conifer.
Deciduous trees shed their leaves seasonally in preparation for winter. Larches lose their needles in the fall.
Coniferous trees are woody evergreen trees that have cones and needles rather than leaves. Larches produce seed-bearing cones and have needles instead of leaves.
Larches are not your typical pine tree, but an amalgam of deciduous and coniferous qualities.
What backpacking trails have larches?
Sometimes a hike just is not enough! Backpacking amongst the larches and sleeping in the cool area is the perfect fall activity before packing away your gear for the winter.
Here are some of the best backpacking routes that have larches on them.
Hart and Lyman Lakes – 17.5 miles, 3,200 feet of elevation gain, dogs allowed, no pass/permit needed
The Enchantments – 26.0 miles, 4,500 feet of elevation gain, no dogs, permit required between May 15th and Oct. 31st.
Sawtooth Lakes Loop – 24.0 miles, 5,200 feet of elevation gain, dogs allowed on leash, need northwest forest pass.
For a list of backpacking gear with budget options, check out my blog post here.
Where can you see larches without hiking?
If you’re looking to spot larches without fighting the crowds on the trail, consider driving the North Cascades Highway.
The Scenic North Cascades Highway has some gorgeous pull-offs at Gorge Creek Falls, Diablo Lake Overlook, Ross Lake Overlooks, and Washington Pass Overlook. Washington Pass has some of the best views of the area and has a paved trail and park benches.
Washington Fall Hiking Clothes and Accessories
Weather in Washington can be tricky to prepare for this time of year which is why layers will be your best friend during your larch hikes!
Falling hiking gear in the Pacific Northwest should follow this system:
- Moisture-Wicking Base Layer: Wicks sweat away from your skin to keep you dry
- Insulating Mid-Layer: Providing warmth, the mid-layer can be a fleece jacket, down vest, or light nano puff.
- Windproof and Waterproof Jacket: Always carry a good rain jacket or shell with you in case of inclement weather.
Let’s get into some of my favorite items for what to wear when hiking in Washington in the fall.
Breathable Base Layer: A wool base layer is the best option to keep you dry when sweating in cold weather. Smartwool makes phenomenal base layers with varying degrees of thickness depending on temperature.
Insulating Mid-Layer: Since your mid-layer’s primary purpose is warmth, it should be something that can help with temperature regulation and can be easily taken off and put on. The Patagonia Better Sweater is one of my favorite fleece jackets to hike in, while my Arc’teryx Atom Hoodie is my go-to jacket in the fall.
Rain Jacket: For a packable and lightweight jacket, the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch is by far the best rain jacket.
Wool Hiking Socks: Similar to a breathable base layer, wool socks are imperative to keep your feet dry and blister-free. Darn Tough are my favorite hiking socks.
Hiking Boots: While many of the trails recommended in this post are easily accessible, some are rather steep and rocky which would require sturdy boots. My go-to boots have been Oboz Bridgers for their waterproofing and ankle support.
Accessories: Pack your favorite beanie, gloves, and a headlamp. Do not underestimate how much time it will take to complete some of these trails so packing a headlamp as part of the ten essentials of hiking is always a good idea!
For a complete fall hiking clothes guide, check this guide out next!
Pack It Up
I hope you feel confident in your search to find larch hikes this season. To make things easy for you, I have put all of the larch hikes in Washington into one AllTrails List! Click on the link below to access my AllTrails list where you can search for even more larch trails.
Click Here for an AllTrails List of the Best Larch Hikes in Washington!
Want to access trail maps offline? Consider purchasing an AllTrails Premium Membership.
Best of luck on your Larch March!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
