Where to find amazing larches. My favorite hikes in Washington to see spectacular fall color
The elusive golden larches of Washington’s Central and North Cascades are a photographer’s dream come October. The exact time varies based on the weather conditions each year but typically the first week of October is a safe bet. The larch is an unusual species of tree – a conifer that loses its leaves.
These are just some of the many locations in Washington’s Cascades where you can find the magical and beautiful larches. These trees are typically found on the eastern slopes of the Cascades, at typical elevations of 5,000 to 8,000 feet.
Please practice Leave No Trace Principles to keep these fragile environments pristine.
Looking to explore the larches of Washington? Here are some great ideas for my favorite hikes. A good bet is the first week of October – but varies plus or minus a week each year depending on weather conditions. These are not listed in any particular order of favorites – all awesome trails that I would do again.
Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin
In the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest north of Cle Elum, WA
Colchuck Lake in the Enchantments
Near Leavenworth, WA. A classic of the PNW for a good reason.This hike has epic craggy peaks of the Cascades, crystal clear mountains, and just the pristine Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Extremely limited lottery-based permits required for overnight. Many hikers endure a LONG and grueling thru-hike. As a photographer, I have not done the thru-hike because want enough time to photograph and enjoy the scenery.
Lake Anne / Maple Pass Loop
The Maple Pass loop is one of the most well known larch hikes in the PNW. A mountain lake with an island, surrounded by larches is quite the photogenic scene!
This loop hike that is the perfect distance for a day hike will be busy for all of September and October. I recommend starting early to get parking at the trailhead, which is the Maple Pass/Cutthroat Pass off of Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway). 1 hour east of Ross/Diablo Lake.
Note that WA-20 is closed for winter, check with the WSDOT for the closing date, typically early November or the first significant snowfall for the season so after larch season.
Carne Mountain
If you want a larch hike that is a bit off the beaten path, look into Carne Mountain. Complete with dense larch forests, beautiful meadows, and a 360-degree view of the North Cascades on a clear day.
This hike is accessed from the Phelps Creek Trailhead, about an hour north of Lake Wenatchee/Leavenworth, off of US-2.The trailhead road is rough and I’d recommend an AWD vehicle with some clearance, such as a Subaru or a truck.
Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness
One of my favorite places for larch hikes is near Chelan, Washington in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooths Wilderness. Towering rocky peaks, with multiple hike options.
Blue Lake
This North Cascades classic, west of Washington Pass along WA-20. The popular trail gets very busy during the short larch session. But well worth it to experience an alpine splendor of a lake, ringed by larches of various sizes.
The golden light of sunset was hitting the mountain tops and illuminating larches close to the trail. I was doing sunset photography at Blue Lake so was planning to hike back down at dusk. Always bring a headlamp and extra flashlight with you on hikes – not just if you plan to stay for sunset but in case of emergency situations.
Cutthroat Pass
It was very busy when I did it on a foggy and snowy Sunday, so be prepared to share the trail and practice trail etiquette — yield to hikers going uphill. I highly recommend starting early!
That means car camping in the national park or nearby in the national forest the night before.
The trailhead is on the eastern side of the North Cascades, right off of Highway 20. Driving distances are often long in the North Cascades. It is a solid hour drive (around 55 miles) from Diablo/Ross Lake to trailheads for larch hikes on the eastern side of the Cascades.
Bonus – Overlooks off the North Cascades Highway
Not in the mood to do a long hike, with chance of snow this time of year? You’re in luck!
On the east side of North Cascades National Park, en route to the small, western town of Winthrop. Right off of Highway 20, specifically the Liberty Bell/Washington Overlook, is a great view of larches in the distance.
Photography Tips
- Use a circular polarizer filter to bring out the blue sky and vibrancy of the orange needles. Be careful not to over polarize. You don’t want a very dark blue sky and unpleasant light spots or light flares. Take a few shots in the beginning to get the amount of polarization right.
- Shoot with a wide angle lens to exaggerate scale and capture the tall larch trees along your hike. Often expansive landscapes with the jagged peaks of the North Cascades need a wide angle to capture with the l arches alongside the lake shore.
- Isolate your subject. One of my favorite subjects are solo larch trees, surrounded by rocks, with the light hitting the tree. Below is one of my favorites from Fall 2021 in the Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.
- Tripod for longer exposures during golden hour of sunrise and sunset. The soft even light of golden hour has limited light and a tripod is necessary for sharp exposure.
Fall in Washington’s alpine is one of my favorite seasons for hiking. The crisp cold air and changing colors of the bushes and trees added to the experience. Red, orange, and yellow colors give off final warmth before a long and cold winter. I’m always looking forward to the larch season in the fall. Larch madness here we come.
