Best Golden Larch Hikes in Washington: When & Where to See Fall Colors (2025)

I’ll never forget my first time catching peak larch season. It was about 6:15 in the morning at the far end of Colchuck Lake, just before starting up Aasgard Pass. The sun hit the top of Dragontail first, and all the way at the end of the lake you could see the larches —this sudden burst of gold lining the lake. It looked unreal. I just stood there staring, totally caught off guard. After years of chasing fall colors, nothing had prepared me for that. That was six years ago. Since then, I’ve become obsessed with hiking the Best Golden Larch hikes in Washington’s.

This guide contains everything I wish I’d known when I started: not just where to go, but precisely when, how to avoid the crushing crowds, what gear actually matters at 6,000 feet in October, and the backup plans that will save your weekend when your first choice trailhead is full by 6 AM.

Altogether, this guide covers amazing fall hikes in Washington, complete with elevation-based timing windows, strategies for avoiding crowds, and tips on how to track peak larch conditions each season.

Quick Larch Season Reference 2025

Peak Window	Late September – Mid October (varies by elevation)
Golden Period	10-14 days at each elevation zone
Best Overall Week	October 1-7 (historically)
Elevation Zones	3,500-7,500 feet
Species	Western Larch (lower) & Subalpine Larch (higher)
Weather Window	Before first major snowstorm
Parking Arrival	6:00-6:30 AM for popular trails
Essential Gear	Microspikes after Oct 5, always carry 10 essentials

Why Washington’s Larches Are Special

Washington hosts one of only a handful of larch populations in the lower 48 states. These deciduous conifers—trees that look like evergreens but drop their needles each fall—evolved to survive in harsh, high-elevation environments where most trees can’t compete. Before dropping their needles for winter, they stage one of nature’s most spectacular shows, transforming from green to gold to orange over just 14 days.

Two species paint our mountains gold:

• Western Larch (Larix occidentalis): 3,500-6,000 feet, peaks late September to early October
• Subalpine Larch (Larix lyallii): 5,500-7,500 feet, peaks early to mid-October

Best Classic Golden Larch Hikes in Washington

1. Cutthroat Pass

This is my go-to recommendation for first-time larch hikers. The trail delivers maximum impact for moderate effort, with sweeping views that make everyone look like a professional photographer. While nearby Maple Pass gets all the Instagram fame (and crowds), Cutthroat offers equally spectacular larches with half the people.

Getting There – Two Options:

Via PCT (easier grade): Park at Rainy Pass on Highway 20, follow PCT north
Via Cutthroat Lake: From Winthrop, drive Highway 20 west for 29 miles. Turn at Cutthroat Creek Road.

Trail Strategy: Start early to beat both crowds. If you take the Cutthroat Lake trail up to the pass, the lake at mile 2.5 makes a good turnaround for families. Beyond the lake, the trail switchbacks aggressively through increasingly dense larches. The pass itself (mile 4.9) opens to 360-degree views of golden basins in every direction.

Photography Notes: Morning light illuminates the larches above the lake. For the pass, afternoon light (after 2 PM) is magical. The PCT junction 0.5 miles beyond the pass offers the best compositions with Liberty Bell Mountain as backdrop.

Weather Warning: This pass acts as a wind funnel. Temperatures can be 20 degrees colder than the trailhead. I’ve experienced snow squalls here as early as September 20.

Crowd Factor: 5/10 weekdays, 8/10 weekends. Arrive before 7 AM on weekends.

Bonus Move: Combine with nearby Blue Lake (10 minutes down Highway 20) for a two-hike day catching different elevation zones.

📊 Trail Stats – Cutthroat Pass

2.Blue Lake

Blue Lake is where I send larch newbies. Short, relatively easy, and consistently spectacular, it’s the perfect introduction to larch madness. (read my full Blue Lake trip report for details). Blue lake’s unique position creates perfect reflections on calm mornings, doubling the visual impact of the surrounding golden slopes.

Trail Reality: Marketed as “easy,” but the consistent uphill and root-riddled trail challenges some. Extensive boardwalks in first mile keep feet dry. The final 0.5 mile opens to meadows with larches appearing dramatically.

Reflection Conditions: Calm water typical before 10 AM. Position yourself at the outlet (northwest corner) for best reflection shots including Liberty Bell Mountain.

Timing Strategy: This trail peaks earlier than nearby Cutthroat Pass due to slightly higher elevation. When Blue Lake is past peak, Cutthroat is often perfect.

Crowd Management: Avoid 10 AM – 2 PM on weekends. Either start at sunrise or arrive after 3 PM when day-trippers leave.

Crowd Factor: 6/10 weekdays, 9/10 weekends during peak larch.

3. Maple Pass Loop

Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, parking is insane. But Maple Pass delivers jaw-dropping 360-degree views from a ridgeline traverse that feels like walking on top of the world. The larches ring Lake Ann below while you walk among golden slopes, and the relatively moderate difficulty makes this achievable for most hikers.

Getting There: Park at Rainy Pass Picnic Area on Highway 20 (not the PCT trailhead across the road). The lot has restrooms and picnic tables.

Trail Strategy: Go counter-clockwise for a more gradual ascent. At mile 1.25, skip the Lake Ann spur (you’ll see it from above). The real magic happens when you hit Heather Pass and continue along the ridge to Maple Pass at 6,600 feet. The entire ridge walk offers nonstop views of golden larches, Lake Ann below, and peaks in every direction including Black Peak and the Liberty Bell group.

Why It’s Famous: This trail delivers maximum visual impact for moderate effort. The ridge traverse between Heather and Maple passes is pure magic during larch season, with larches both above and below the trail. On clear days, you can see all the way to Glacier Peak.

Crowd Reality: During larch season, cars line Highway 20 for over a mile on both sides. Arrive before 6 AM or after 3 PM. Midweek is only marginally better during peak larch season.

Crowd Factor: 9/10 weekdays, 10/10 weekends during larch season. Embrace the chaos or go elsewhere.

4. Colchuck Lake

Yes, Colchuck is crowded. Yes, parking is insane. Yes, you’ll share the trail with hundreds. But there’s a reason this lake appears on every Washington hiking list—it’s absolutely spectacular when larches ring its turquoise waters below Dragontail Peak.

Parking Reality: During larch season, arrive by 5:30 AM on weekends or have a backup plan. Overflow parking adds 2 miles each way. Consider staying in Leavenworth and starting very early.

Trail Breakdown:

• Mile 0-2: Gentle approach on good trail
• Mile 2-4: Steep, rocky, relentless climb
• Mile 4-4.3: Final push past the beginning of the lake to get to the most larches

Asgard Pass Larches: The densest larches grow at the base of Asgard Pass (the route to the Enchantments). Walk the shoreline trail to the far end of the lake for best views. Mountain goats frequent this area.

Avoiding Crowds: Visit midweek or wait until mid-October when crowds drop but larches remain (at lower elevations around the lake).

Crowd Factor: 8/10 weekdays, 10/10 weekends. Embrace the chaos or go elsewhere.

5. Core Enchantments

The Enchantments represent the holy grail of larch hiking. This seriously otherworldly basin contains more larches per square mile than anywhere else in Washington, set among granite peaks and impossibly blue alpine lakes. It’s also the most challenging and competitive destination on this list.

The Permit Problem: Overnight permits require winning a lottery held in February with roughly 2% success rate. Day hiking requires no advance permit but demands exceptional fitness—you’re covering 20 miles with massive elevation change in one day.

Through-Hike Strategy:

• Aasgard Pass Route: Start Stuart Lake, climb Aasgard (2,200 feet in 1 mile), traverse Core, exit Snow Lakes. Harder but gets suffering done early.
• Snow Lakes Route: Reverse of above. Longer approach but gentler grades.

Core Zone Highlights: Perfection Lake, Leprechaun Lake, and Lake Viviane offer the highest concentration of larches. The traverse between these lakes is the most photographed section.

Day Hike Reality: Start by 5 AM, expect 12-14 hours of hiking, carry 3L water minimum, and understand that this is a serious undertaking. Many underestimate this hike and require rescue.

Weather Crucial: Never attempt in questionable weather. The granite becomes treacherous when wet, and route-finding in fog is challenging even with GPS.

Crowd Factor: 7/10 for day hikers (self-limiting due to difficulty), 10/10 for camping.

Quieter Alternatives – Golden Larch Hikes in Washington

6. Eagle Lakes

If this is the only larch hike you do in your life, Eagle Lakes will leave you satisfied. This trail delivers a large concentration of larches, with the bonus of a crystalline alpine lake that mirror the golden slopes. Unlike the Enchantments craziness, you might actually find solitude here—I’ve had the upper lake entirely to myself on a Tuesday in early October.

Getting There: From Twisp, go south on SR-153 for 12 mi to Gold Creek Loop Rd (CR 1029) and turn right. Shortly after, turn left onto Gold Creek Rd (CR 1034). Continue as it becomes FS Rd 4340 for ~6 mi, then turn left on FS 4340-300 (Crater Creek Rd) and follow it 4.6 mi to the trailhead (≈4,700 ft).

From Winthrop, first drive 9 mi east on SR-20 to Twisp, then follow the directions above.

Trail Navigation: The trail starts deceptively mellow through forest for 2 miles before opening into meadows. At mile 3.5, you’ll reach a junction—stay left for Eagle Lakes (right goes to Crater Lakes). The final mile climbs steeply through prime larch forest. Don’t stop at the first lake; continue 20 minutes to the upper lake where larches ring the entire shoreline.

Pro Strategy: Camp at Upper Eagle Lake (dispersed camping allowed) to catch sunrise alpenglow on the larches. If doing as a day hike, start by 6 AM—the afternoon light hits the upper basin perfectly for photography around 3 PM.

Crowd Factor: 3/10 weekdays, 6/10 weekends. Most people come here when doing the Golden Lakes Loop.

7. Harts Pass via Windy Pass

Harts Pass is Washington’s best-kept larch secret. Yes, the access road is terrifying (narrow, exposed, not for the faint of heart), but that’s exactly why you’ll have these trails mostly to yourself. The larches here are older, bigger, and more widely spaced than other areas, creating a parkland feel unique in the North Cascades.

Access Reality Check: The road to Harts Pass from Mazama starts fine but deteriorates into a narrow, guardrail-free shelf road with 1,000-foot dropoffs. Allow 1.5 hours from Mazama. High clearance recommended but I’ve seen sedans make it (driven by braver souls than me). The road typically closes mid-October with first snow.

Trail Options from Harts Pass:

• Windy Pass (north on PCT): 5.6 miles each way, best overall larches
• Grasshopper Pass (south on PCT): 5.5 miles each way, even fewer people
• Slate Peak (drive + short walk): 0.5 miles, accessible larches for those who can’t hike far

Why It’s Special: The PCT through here traverses huge basins of mature larches. Unlike tight valley trails, you’re walking along ridgelines with larches above and below. The sense of scale is unmatched. Plus, you’re at 6,800 feet to start, so you’re already in peak larch habitat.

Overnight Option: Dispersed camping along the road and established sites near the pass. Camping here lets you avoid driving that road in the dark (not recommended).

Crowd Factor: 2/10 any day. The road is the gatekeeper.

Safety Note: This is remote country. No cell service after Mazama. Carry emergency beacon and inform someone of your plans.

8. Wing Lake

Wing Lake combines everything I love about larch season: a stunning approach past multiple lakes, camping among golden giants, and sunrise light that makes the entire basin glow like it’s on fire. This is my top choice for larch backpacking—challenging enough to thin crowds but rewarding enough to justify the effort.

Getting There: From Highway 20, park at Rainy Pass trailhead (east side of highway at the pass). This is the same trailhead as the popular Maple Pass Loop. The parking area has restrooms and picnic tables.

Trail Breakdown:

• Mile 0-1.25: Follow Maple Pass Loop counter-clockwise, views of Lake Ann below
• Mile 1.25: Junction—turn RIGHT toward Heather Pass (left continues Maple Pass)
• Mile 2.25: Reach Heather Pass, look for boot path/cairns heading right
• Mile 2.25-4: Boulder field traverse to Lewis Lake (slow going, follow cairns, stay far to the right where there is a actual trail)
• Mile 4-6: Steep climb from Lewis Lake up to Wing Lake (1,100 feet gain)

The Sunrise Mission: Wake at 5 AM and hike 20 minutes uphill toward Black Peak Pass. This vantage point at sunrise is the single best larch photography spot I’ve found in Washington. The entire basin lights up progressively as the sun crests the ridge. Wing Lake sits just below 7,000 feet with Black Peak (8,970 feet) towering directly above.

Advanced Option: Continue to Black Peak Pass (add 3 miles round trip, 1,500+ feet) for close-up views of Black Peak’s massive north face. The summit scramble is Class 2-3 but only attempt in perfect weather—this area gets dangerous quickly in storms.

Camping Beta: No permits required as this is National Forest land (not National Park). Camp on durable surfaces 100-200 feet from the lake to protect the fragile alpine environment. The area can get crowded on summer/fall weekends. Water available from lake (filter required) and streams below Lewis Lake.

Boulder Field Navigation: The mile-long boulder field between Heather Pass and Lewis Lake is the crux for many. Stay far to the right where there is a actual trail for a lot of the boulder field. Allow 45-60 minutes for this section with a full pack.

Crowd Factor: 4/10 for day hikers, 6/10 for camping on peak larch weekends. Most Maple Pass hikers don’t venture this way.

9. Lewis Lake

When Maple Pass is a zoo but you still want those North Cascades larches, Lewis Lake is your answer. This shorter trail branches off the main loop, delivering turquoise water surrounded by golden slopes without the commitment (or crowds) of the full circuit. It’s become my go-to recommendation for friends.

Getting There: Same parking as Maple Pass Loop at Rainy Pass Picnic Area. Start counter-clockwise on the main loop trail.

Trail Navigation: Follow Maple Pass Loop for 1.25 miles, enjoying views of Lake Ann below. At the junction before Heather Pass, turn RIGHT (left continues to Maple Pass). The trail to Lewis Lake branches off shortly after. The final approach involves some route-finding through meadows—look for cairns.

Why Choose This Over Maple Pass: Less than half the distance, significantly less elevation gain, and you still get a stunning alpine lake surrounded by larches. The lake itself is a brilliant turquoise, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks. On calm mornings, the reflections rival anything at more famous lakes.

Hidden Bonus: From Lewis Lake, experienced hikers can continue cross-country toward Wing Lake, though this requires solid navigation skills and adds significant distance.

Best Photography: Morning light hits the larches on the far shore perfectly. The outlet area offers compositions with the lake, larches, and Black Peak. Crowd Factor: 4/10 weekdays, 6/10 weekends. Most Maple Pass hikers skip this detour. Pro

Tip: If you have energy after Lewis Lake, you can continue to complete Maple Pass Loop for the full experience, making this a perfect “test the waters” option.

📊 Trail Stats – Wing Lake

• Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
• Peak Larch Season: Late September – early October
• Location: North Cascades National Park
• Driving Distance: 3 hrs from Seattle | 2 hrs from Leavenworth | 1.5 hrs from Winthrop
• Permits: NW Forest Pass
• Trailhead: Maple Pass Loop Trailhead
• Trail Resources: AllTrails | WTA

10. Cooney Lake

Cooney Lake anchors the legendary Golden Lakes Loop, arguably Washington’s highest concentration of larches. Especially if you take the time to walk past it and up towards Angel’s Staircase. It’s the most jaw dropping grove of larches. While the full 22-mile loop demands serious fitness, Cooney Lake alone delivers tremendous rewards for those seeking a manageable day hike through larch paradise.

Access Comparison:

• Via Foggy Dew (Recommended): From Highway 153 near Pateros, follow Gold Creek Road. More scenic approach through waterfalls and meadows.
• Via Martin Creek: Longer but gentler grade, less interesting until final mile and you share it with a lot of dirtbikes.

The Angels Staircase Secret: Don’t stop at the lake. Continue 0.5 miles past Cooney toward Horsehead Pass, then look back. The entire mountainside cascades with golden larches—it’s called Angels Staircase for good reason. This viewpoint alone justifies the entire hike.

Golden Lakes Loop Option: For the ultimate larch experience, connect Cooney to Eagle Lakes via Horsehead Pass (22 miles total). This traverse passes through more continuous larch forest than any other trail in Washington. Requires two cars or arranged pickup.

Camping: Established sites at Cooney Lake. Popular with PCT thru-hikers in September.

Crowd Factor: 5/10 weekdays, 7/10 weekends via Foggy Dew.

11. Crater Lakes

While everyone hikes the nearby Golden Lakes Loop trailheads, Crater Lakes quietly offers similar beauty with a fraction of the effort and crowds. This is my “plan B” that often becomes “plan A” once people discover it.

Critical Beta: The official trail ends at the lower lake, but you MUST continue to the upper lake (add 15 minutes). The upper lake sits in a perfect larch amphitheater—it’s the real destination. Most people miss this and leave disappointed.

I would even recommend walking towards the back of the lake for dense larches growing all over the mountain side. Great photo ops.

Why Choose This: Gentler grade than Eagle Lakes, making it perfect for mixed-fitness groups. Lots of wow with jagged peaks, lots of larches and if the wind is still, jaw dropping reflection.

Backpacking Option: Excellent beginner backpacking with established sites at upper lake. Can connect to Eagle Lakes for ambitious loop.

Crowd Factor: 3/10 any day. Overlooked gem status.

12. Carne Mountain

I put off Carne Mountain for three seasons, intimidated by its reputation as a grunt. Big mistake. This trail delivers the highest larch-per-mile ratio of any hike in Washington, with the added bonus of 360-degree summit views that extend from Mount Rainier to Canada.

Getting There: From Stevens Pass, drive east on Highway 2 for 18 miles. Turn left on NF-6701 (signed for Carne Mountain), follow 2.5 miles to trailhead. Road is rough but passable for all vehicles driving carefully.

Trail Truth: This trail wastes no time — it starts climbing hard almost immediately and gains ~3,600 ft in ~3.7 miles. You’ll pass through mixed forest early on, but by 1–2 miles in you begin seeing larches, and by the basin the golden larches take over. Your quads will burn, but your view will reward you handsomely.

Bailout Option: At about 3 miles in, the trail opens into Carne Basin — golden larches everywhere, meadows, and sweeping mountain views. You get 80% of the reward for about 60% of the effort, and plenty of hikers call it good here before the steep final push to the summit.

Summit Experience: The true 360-degree panorama includes Glacier Peak, Mount Stuart, and endless golden basins. On clear days, Mount Rainier is visible 100 miles south.

Crowd Factor: 4/10 weekdays, 6/10 weekends. The difficulty is the filter.

13. Sunrise Lake

Sunrise Lake offers something many larch hikes lack: variety. You’re not just walking through larches to a destination; the entire route changes character every mile, from waterfalls to meadows to ridgelines to the spectacular lake finale.

The Merchants Basin Surprise: Before reaching Sunrise Lake, you’ll pass through Merchants Basin (mile 4), which might have Washington’s densest larch concentration. Many hikers are so blown away they never continue to the lake. Don’t make this mistake—the lake setting is equally spectacular.

Loop Option: Return via Sunrise Lake Trail for a 13-mile loop showcasing different terrain. Only recommended for strong hikers as the loop section is rougher and less maintained.

Weather Consideration: This area creates its own weather. I’ve experienced 40-mph winds and horizontal sleet here on a day that started sunny. Always pack storm gear.

Crowd Factor: 3/10 weekdays, 5/10 weekends. Most people stop at Cooney.

14. Goat Peak Lookout

Goat Peak proves you don’t need to suffer for larches. This short, moderate trail delivers big rewards, including a historic fire lookout and some of the best sunset larch photography in the North Cascades.

Getting There: From Winthrop, take Highway 20 west to Mazama. Turn north on Goat Creek Road (FR 52), follow 3 miles, then turn right on FR 5225 for 6 miles to trailhead. Road suitable for all vehicles.

Why It’s Perfect for Families: Short enough for motivated kids, with the lookout providing a tangible goal. The ridgeline walking in final 0.5 mile keeps everyone engaged. Pack a picnic for the summit.

Sunset Strategy: Arrive 2 hours before sunset. Hike up, enjoy golden hour at the lookout, then descend with headlamps. The larches glow impossibly orange in late afternoon light.

Crowd Factor: 3/10 weekdays, 5/10 weekend afternoons.

15. Copper Glance Lake

Most alpine lakes in Washington are some shade of blue. Copper Glance Lake breaks the mold with its surreal emerald green water, created by glacial flour from the surrounding peaks. Add golden larches to this green canvas and you have a scene that doesn’t look real.

Trail Character: Steep and rough in places with several stream crossings that can be tricky during snowmelt. The final approach traverses a boulder field—poles helpful. The effort pays off when the lake appears suddenly, its alien green color shocking against golden larches.

Best Photography: Afternoon light (after 1 PM) reduces glare on the lake’s surface. The outlet area provides best compositions combining water, larches, and peaks.

Hidden Option: Scramble route continues to upper basin with additional larches and isolation. Only for experienced mountain travelers.

Crowd Factor: 2/10 any day. Rough trail keeps crowds away.

Wish List Larch Hikes in Washington

Here is the my 2025 wish list—trails I hope to do this Fall. Some trails are harder to reach, require more time, or are simply still on my radar. But they show up again and again in fall trip reports, and they come highly recommended by trusted hikers. So I’ve included them here as part of my larch-season wish list: places I’m hoping to explore this year (or in the seasons to come) that I think are absolutely worth sharing.

Libby Lake (Chelan–Sawtooth Wilderness)

High in the Sawtooth Range at 7,600 feet, Libby Lake sits in a stark talus bowl ringed with larches. The trail passes through multiple climate zones, and hikers report excellent solitude compared to more popular trails.
 

• Distance: ~9 miles RT
• Elevation Gain: ~3,000 ft
• Why I want to hike this: Remote and quiet, Libby Lake sits high beneath Hoodoo Peak. In fall, the basin fills with golden larches, and the rugged peaks around it make the scene feel wild and untouched.

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Stiletto Lake (North Cascades)

A larch-filled basin most hikers never reach, with dramatic cliffs and golden stands. It’s accessed via longer approaches, keeping crowds minimal.

• Distance: ~9 miles RT
• Elevation Gain: ~3,000 ft
• Why I want to hike this: Stiletto Lake is a larch-filled basin most hikers never reach. With its dramatic cliffs and fiery golden stands, it’s a quieter alternative to Maple Pass and Blue Lake down the road.

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Snowy Lakes (North Cascades / Golden Horn area)

Following the PCT north from Rainy Pass through Cutthroat Pass, these remote lakes offer excellent larch viewing with Golden Horn and Tower Mountain towering overhead.

• Distance: ~18 miles RT (from Rainy Pass on the PCT)
• Elevation Gain: ~3,000+ ft
• Why I want to hike this: The larches here glow against the granite backdrop, and while the approach is long, it trades crowds for pure alpine magic. A great backpacker’s larch destination.

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Ice Lakes (Glacier Peak Wilderness)

One of the most remote larch destinations in Washington. The long approach through ponderosa pines leads to a high alpine basin with waterfalls, larches, and the possibility of climbing 9,060-foot Mount Maude.

• Distance: ~15 miles RT (via Carne–Leroy High Route)
• Elevation Gain: ~4,500 ft
• Why I want to hike this: Known as One of the most breathtaking larch basins in the Cascades, Ice Lakes sparkle turquoise against fields of glowing gold. But from what I read, getting there is no joke — the high route is rugged and steep.

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Star & Oval Lakes (Chelan–Sawtooth Wilderness)

The Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness has some of the most open terrain lined with larches. Star Lake sits at 7,400 feet with options to climb surrounding peaks.

• Distance: 15–20 miles RT (depending on approach)
• Elevation Gain: ~3,500+ ft
• Why I want to hike this: Remote, rugged, and absolutely overflowing with larches.

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Larch Lake (Chiwaukum Mountains, near Stevens Pass)

• Distance: ~10 miles RT
• Elevation Gain: ~3,200 ft
• Why I want to hike this: As the name suggests, this basin is filled with larches, and in fall it glows golden.

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Esmeralda Basin (Teanaway, Lake Ingalls area)

A gentler alternative to Lake Ingalls, Esmeralda Basin offers rolling meadows filled with larches without the brutal final climb. Popular with families and those seeking a more relaxed pace.

• Distance: 6–7 miles RT (depending on route)
• Elevation Gain: ~1,500–2,000 ft
• Why I want to hike this: If you love Lake Ingalls (which I did) but not the crowds, Esmeralda Basin I have heard is a fantastic alternative. The basin is ringed with larches, and you can extend the hike toward Fortune Creek Pass or Fortune Peak for even bigger views.

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Larch Season Gear Guide

Real-Time Monitoring Strategy

Two Weeks Before: Start checking recent trip reports on WTA.org and AllTrails for color progression

One Week Before: Monitor specific elevations via:

• Instagram: #walarches #larchmadness (sort by recent)
• Facebook: Washington Hikers and Climbers group
• Weather: mountain-forecast.com for freezing levels

48 Hours Before: Check road conditions, weather windows, and have backup plans ready

Historical Peak Dates (Last 5 Years)

• 2024: October 1-8 (warm September delayed peak)
• 2023: September 25-October 3 (normal year)
• 2022: September 28-October 6 (extended season)
• 2021: September 20-28 (early cold snap)
• 2020: September 30-October 9 (perfect conditions)

Crowd Management Strategies

The Parking Problem

Popular trailheads during peak larch season fill earlier than you think:

• Maple Pass: Full by 6:30 AM weekends
• Lake Ingalls: Full by 6:00 AM weekends
• Colchuck: Full by 5:45 AM weekends
• Blue Lake: Full by 8:00 AM weekends

Alternative Strategies

• Reverse Schedule: Hike Sunday afternoon when weekend warriors leave
• Elevation Offset: When popular 5,500-foot trails peak, hit 4,500-foot alternatives
• Weather Windows: Marginal forecast days see 70% fewer hikers
• Nearby Alternatives: Every popular trail has a lesser-known neighbor

The Tuesday-Wednesday Sweet Spot

If you can swing midweek hiking, Tuesday and Wednesday see 80% fewer visitors than weekends. I’ve had Cutthroat Pass entirely to myself on a Tuesday in peak season.

Safety Considerations for October Hiking

Weather Hazards

• Sudden Storms: October brings the first winter storms. Never push through deteriorating weather
• Temperature Swings: Can drop 40°F from trailhead to pass
• Early Snow: Obscures trails, creates avalanche risk on steep slopes
• Creek Crossings: Higher from fall rain, colder if you fall in

Shorter Days

• October 1: 11.5 hours daylight
• October 15: 10.5 hours daylight
• Always carry headlamp and start early

Emergency Preparedness

• Cell service rare above 4,000 feet
• Carry emergency beacon for solo trips
• Share itinerary with someone reliable
• Know bailout points for each trail

Lodging and Logistics

Base Camp Options

North Cascades (Highway 20 trails):

• Winthrop: Full services, 45 minutes to trailheads
• Mazama: Closer but limited options
• Camping: Early Winters, Lone Fir, Klipchuck campgrounds

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Area:

• Pateros: Budget option, 45 minutes to trails
• Winthrop: Better food/lodging, slightly farther
• Camping: Foggy Dew, Crater Creek dispersed sites

Leavenworth Area (Enchantments/Colchuck):

• Leavenworth: Tourist town, book early, expensive
• Wenatchee: Cheaper, 45 minutes to trails
• Camping: Eightmile, Bridge Creek campgrounds

Gas and Supplies

• Last gas for Highway 20: Winthrop eastbound, Marblemount westbound
• Last gas for Chelan-Sawtooth: Pateros or Winthrop
• Last gas for Enchantments: Leavenworth
• Many forest roads have no cell service—download maps offline

Leave No Trace During Larch Madness

The explosion in larch hiking popularity threatens the very experience we seek. Please:

• Stay on Trail: Larches grow in fragile alpine environments
• No Picking: Leave larch branches alone, even fallen ones
• Pack It Out: Including orange peels and apple cores
• Respect Photography: Don’t trample vegetation for the perfect shot
• Bathroom Ethics: 200 feet from water, dig 6-inch catholes
• Parking: Never block roads or create new spots

Sample Itineraries

The Weekend Warrior (2 Days)

Saturday: Blue Lake (morning) + Cutthroat Pass (afternoon)
Camp: Lone Fir Campground
Sunday: Early start for Wing Lake
Why: Hits multiple elevations, avoids backtracking

The Long Weekend (3 Days)

Friday: Drive to Winthrop, afternoon at Goat Peak
Saturday: Full day at Eagle Lakes
Sunday: Crater Lakes or Cutthroat Pass
Why: Balanced difficulty, variety of experiences

The Larch Immersion Week

Monday: Scout conditions at Blue Lake
Tuesday: Wing Lake backpacking (camp at lake)
Wednesday: Return, rest afternoon
Thursday: Carne Mountain or Lake Ingalls
Friday: Golden Lakes Loop (long day) or Crater Lakes (easier)
Saturday: Sunrise departure
Why: Avoids weekend crowds, allows weather flexibility

The Bottom Line

Larch season in Washington is magic—pure and simple. Yes, it requires effort. Yes, crowds can be frustrating. Yes, weather might not cooperate. But when you round that corner and see an entire mountainside glowing gold in morning light, when you’re sitting by an alpine lake surrounded by reflected larches, when you realize you’re experiencing something that only happens for a few weeks each year in a few places on Earth—it’s worth every bit of planning and effort.

My advice? Pick 2-3 target weekends, stay flexible, have backup plans, and embrace whatever the mountains give you. Even “past peak” larches beat no larches. Even cloudy days reveal different beauty. Even crowded trails can’t diminish the magic of these golden weeks.

See you on the trails this October. Look for the person grinning like an idiot at every golden tree—that’ll be me, still amazed after all these years.

Happy Trails!

🎒 Continue Your Washington Hiking Journey

Last Updated: January 2025 | Reading Time: 18 minutes | Best Timing: Late September through mid-October