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

Every fall, Washington’s alpine larches burst into brilliant gold for just 2–3 weeks, transforming the mountains into one of the most breathtaking hiking destinations in the Pacific Northwest. These golden larches are a true bucket-list sight—fleeting, spectacular, and best enjoyed if you know exactly when and where to go.

In this guide, I’ve pulled together the best larch hikes in Washington State, organized into three sections:

• Popular classics: the well-known larch hikes that draw big crowds (for good reason).
• Quieter Alternatives: lesser-known trails where you can often find a bit more solitude due to their location or they just haven’t exploded yet.
• Wish-list hikes: trails I haven’t personally hiked yet but am hoping to explore this fall—ones that consistently appear in larch-season trip reports and come highly recommended.

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.

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🌟 Best Golden Larch Hikes in Washington — Quick Picks

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for Families: Blue Lake — short, easy, stunning reflections especially at sunrise.
• 🏔 Most Iconic: Colchuck Lake — turquoise water, golden slopes, epic backdrop. (some argue its the prettiest lake in Washington.
• 🥾 Best Overnight Adventure: Wing Lake — camp beneath Black Peak with larches at sunrise around an infinity edge.
• 🌲 Hidden Gem: Harts Pass → Windy/Grasshopper Pass — fewer crowds, golden ridgelines and moderate elevation.
• 🔥 Best Workout/Views: Carne Mountain — thigh-burner with endless golden meadows and views for days.
• 🎟 Legendary Bucket List: The Enchantments Core — strenuous but unforgettable, permit required unless you thru hike it.

How to Determine If Golden Larches Are at Their Peak

• Ranger Stations: Methow Valley & Leavenworth Ranger Stations can confirm conditions.
• Trip Reports: AllTrails & WTA – people typically share the date they hiked.
• Social Media: Check hashtags (#larchmarch, #goldenlarches).
• Facebook Groups: Washington Hikers & Climbers = goldmine for real-time updates.

Best Classic Golden Larch Hikes in Washington

Cutthroat Pass

This trail is one of my absolute favorites in North Cascades National Park, especially in mid to late fall when the larches glow at their peak. It’s a perfect “Larch March,” with golden trees and sweeping mountain views that stretch for miles.

While it sits just across the road from the super-popular Maple Pass Loop Trail, this hike usually sees fewer crowds, making it a great option if you’re hoping for a little more solitude—though weekends can still get busy.

It’s a bit of a drive from Seattle along scenic Highway 20, near Washington Pass, but the payoff is huge. And if you time it just right—catching this trail after the first dusting of snow—the mix of golden larches and fresh white peaks is nothing short of magical. Consider packing Kahtoola Microspikes for early freezes.

📊 Trail Stats – Cutthroat Pass

Blue Lake

When Blue Lake is calm, it’s like hiking straight into a postcard. The water turns into a perfect mirror, reflecting the golden larches and the jagged peaks that tower above the shoreline. On a crisp fall day, it honestly feels otherworldly—you’ll find yourself stopping every few steps because yep, that view deserves another photo.

The best part? For such a stunning payoff, the trail itself is surprisingly doable. That’s why it’s a long-time favorite in the North Cascades. Families, photographers, and casual hikers all flock here in larch season—and for good reason. But I would definitely avoid this one mid day on a weekend.

Colchuck Lake

Colchuck is iconic for a reason. The approach is steep, the parking insane, but the payoff — Dragontail Peak rising above turquoise water and golden larches — is unforgettable. The base of Asgard Pass is lined with gold, and mountain goats often make an appearance. It’s crowded, but still bucket-list worthy.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t stop at the first shoreline view — circle to the far end for the best larch-and-peak compositions.
I like stashing a compact Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp for the dusk walkout.

Core Enchantments

The Enchantments are the crown jewel of Washington’s larch season. This is the kingdom every “larch marcher” dreams of — alpine lakes strung like jewels, granite towers, and entire basins drenched in gold. It’s brutally hard as a day hike and fiercely competitive as a backpacking permit, but for those who make it in, it’s unforgettable.

👉 Pro Tip: Even if you don’t win the permit lottery, a Colchuck day-hike still gives you a taste of the magic.
Weather turns fast—pack a real shell like the Outdoor Research Aspire Rain Jacket.

Quieter Alternatives – Golden Larch Hikes in Washington

Eagle Lakes

This is one of those hikes that stays with you. The sheer number of larches here is unreal — and the contrast agains the mountains make the larches pop. With nearly 12 miles roundtrip, it’s a long day. Comfortable waterproof boots like the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX keep your feet dry if the trail is wet or slushy and provide the support you’ll want for the mileage. There are several wonderful places to pitch a tent making it a great backpacking destination.

It’s not a one hit wonder, the turquoise water and surrounding peaks are equally stunning. Its the kind of lake that you you want to visit with or without the larches.

Pro-tip: If you have a few days to spare, you can connect this trail with the Golden Lakes Loop. Hands down, one of the best (permit free) backpacking experiences in Washington.

Harts Pass, Windy Pass or Grasshopper Pass via the PCT

If solitude is what you’re after, Harts Pass delivers. The drive up Washington’s highest road is half the adventure, but once you’re on the PCT, it’s mellow ridge walking with golden larches lining the horizon. Unlike the highway-crowded Maple and Blue Lake, here you might share the trail only with migrating thru-hikers. You can go in either direction, hittng Windy Pass or Grasshopper Pass. They are all filled with larches. Each one worth the trip.

👉 Pro Tip: Stay for sunset — the long ridges glow orange, and with most of the climb done by car, the walk back in twilight is manageable (don’t forget a headlamp).

Wing Lake

Wing Lake is where you go when you want it all: a glittering turquoise lake, golden larches lining the basin, and Black Peak towering overhead. Camp here, and you’ll watch the trees catch fire at sunrise — one of Washington’s most photogenic alpine scenes. If you’re into photography, this is the place to bring a lightweight tripod like the Sirui Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod to capture the reflections before the wind picks up.

👉 Photo Tip: Hike a little way up the trail toward Black Peak and then look back — you’ll get a jaw-dropping view of Wing Lake ringed with larches, especially at sunrise when the light pours over the ridge.

👉 Pro Tip: When crossing the infamous boulder field, hug the treeline — a faint dirt path makes it much easier.

Lewis Lake

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the ultra-popular Maple Pass or Blue Lake trails, Lewis Lake is a fantastic lesser-known option. The hike starts on the same approach to Wing Lake and Black Peak, but stopping at Lewis Lake keeps the mileage shorter while still delivering big rewards. In larch season, the shoreline glows with golden trees, and the calm waters reflect the dramatic cliffs towering above.

It’s not completely hidden—Wing Lake hikers pass by here—but far fewer people stop to make Lewis Lake their destination. That makes it a great choice if you want gorgeous larch scenery with a little more breathing room.

📊 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

Cooney Lake

Start from the Foggy Dew side, where the trail winds through sweeping meadows bursting with color. By the time you reach the lake, golden larches crowd the shoreline and reflect perfectly in the still water. It’s the kind of place you want to linger — with plenty of space to spread out for lunch or even pitch a tent for the night.

👉 Pro Tip: Continue past the lake toward Angel’s Staircase and then look back — the entire basin blazes gold in every direction.

Crater Lakes

Out of all the hikes in the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness area Crater Lakes offers the most “wow” for the effort. It’s a trail for almost everyone! It features a very gentle slope and is relatively short trail. Lots of bang. I’m not sure why it doesn’t get more attention, as it’s often overshadowed by the nearby Golden Lakes Loop.

Pro-tip: The trail technically ends at the lower lake, but be sure to follow the path around the lake and up to the second lake—it’s the real star here. It’s a dream painted in GOLD. This hike also makes for a wonderful beginner backpacking trip!

Carne Mountain

Carne Mountain is a thigh-burner, but one of the most jaw-dropping fall hikes in Washington. The switchbacks seem endless — exactly the kind of trail where a good pair of trekking poles like the Black Diamond Trail Cork save your knees on the descent. Push through, and suddenly the basin opens — a massive bowl of larches that feels like it goes on forever. Its popular but its steepness keeps the crowds at bay.

👉 Pro Tip: Even if you can’t make the summit, the basin alone is a five-star larch destination.

Sunrise Lake

Sunrise Lake is a hidden gem tucked behind Merchant’s Basin, where the meadows themselves burst into color long before you even reach the lake. By October, golden larches stand like torches around the shoreline, their reflections broken by autumn winds. On moody days it feels wild and remote — on sunny ones, it glows.

👉 Pro Tip: This trail is long. Start early, and bring layers — it’s often colder here than expected.

Goat Peak Lookout

Goat Peak Lookout is the rare mix of family-friendly and spectacular. At just 3.5 miles, you reach a historic fire lookout with sweeping views over the Methow Valley and Pasayten peaks. In October, golden larches fill every ridge below you, glowing like lanterns.

👉 Pro Tip: Stay for sunset — the colors ignite, but don’t forget your headlamp for the hike down.

Copper Glance Lake

Copper Glance Lake is a stunner that feels almost tropical with its emerald water — until you look up and see ridges blazing with gold. In calm conditions, the lake mirrors the larches so perfectly it looks unreal. It’s a tougher climb than Blue or Crater, but the quiet beauty is worth every step.

👉 Pro Tip: Hit this hike midweek. The trail is narrow, and the serenity is half the magic.

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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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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Logistics for Larch Season

Planning a larch trip is about more than just picking a trail — timing, parking, and even where you sleep the night before can make or break your adventure.

• Parking Realities
  Popular trailheads like Colchuck Lake and Blue Lake fill before 7am on peak weekends. Overflow parking is often unsafe or ticketed. Arrive early, go midweek, or choose less-trafficked options like Harts Pass or Cooney Lake.
  I keep a ready-to-go day kit in an Osprey Tempest 20.
• Road Access
  The North Cascades Highway (SR 20) often closes in late October or early November after the first big snow. Always check WSDOT conditions before heading out — a surprise closure can add hours of driving detours.
• Lodging Hubs
  If you’re traveling from Seattle or out of state, base yourself in:
  • Winthrop/Mazama → closest to Cutthroat, Blue, and Harts Pass
  • Leavenworth → perfect for Colchuck, Enchantments, Carne, and Sunrise Lake
  • Chelan → best for Cooney Lake & Crater Lakes in the Sawtooths
• Fuel & Food
  Small towns like Mazama, Marblemount, and Plain have limited services in fall. Always fuel up and pack snacks the night before — don’t count on last-minute coffee stands.

Larch Season Gear Guide

Understanding Larch Season: Timing Your Adventure

Larch season sweeps down the mountains over a 3-week window from late September through mid-October. Rather than planning for a specific date, successful larch hunters will track this elevation-based progression:

Week 1: Late September (5,500–7,000 ft)

• Best Trails: Wing Lake, Core Enchantments
• Conditions: Highest basins light up first, often with snow dusting the peaks

Week 2: Early October (4,000–5,500 ft)

• Best Trails: Cutthroat Pass, Eagle Lakes, Colchuck Lake
• Conditions: The sweet spot—most trails glowing, minimal snow, roads still clear
• Crowd Tip: Busiest week; arrive early or hike midweek

Week 3: Mid-October (3,500–4,000 ft)

• Best Trails: Blue Lake, Goat Peak, Carne Mountain, Sunrise Lake
• Conditions: Lower ridges and meadows keep the show going as upper basins fade
• Weather Tip: Days are shorter, weather shifts quickly—pack layers and a headlamp

This timing accounts for year-to-year variation and weather unpredictability, giving you flexibility to chase the best conditions at the right elevation.

Ready to Plan Your Golden Adventure?

Essential Next Steps:

1. Monitor conditions: Start checking trip reports in mid-September
2. Flexible scheduling: Keep multiple weekends available for optimal timing
3. Gear preparation: Test your October hiking setup before peak season

FAQ: Washington Larch Season

When do larches peak in Washington?
Usually late September to mid-October, depending on elevation.

What elevation do you find larches?
Above 3,500 ft, most vibrant between 4,000–6,500 ft.

What’s the best family-friendly larch hike?
Blue Lake and Goat Peak are the most approachable.

Do I need permits?
Yes — most require a NW Forest Pass; Enchantments require a lottery permit.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes on most trails (on leash). Not allowed in the Enchantments Core.

What gear should I bring?
Layers, trekking poles, microspikes (for October), plenty of snacks, and a camera.

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