The Best Late Fall Hikes in Washington
Let’s be real about late fall hiking in Washington: larch season is done, alpine lakes are turning icy, and snow is creeping down the mountains. But this in-between stretch from mid-October through November? It can actually be some of the best hiking of the year if you know where to go.
Crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and trails feel earned when you sneak in those last adventures before winter takes over. Late fall isn’t about chasing perfect colors anymore—it’s about finding hikes that are still an option when weather gets moody and daylight is short.
What Late Fall Hiking Actually Feels Like
The Good:
- Quiet trails that were packed all summer
- Crisp air and dramatic skies
- Raging waterfalls after fall rain
- The satisfaction of hiking while everyone else is indoors
The Challenges:
- Weather that changes fast
- Mud and slick conditions
- Short daylight windows
- Snow or ice appearing unpredictably
The Trade-Off:
You give up guaranteed views and stable trails, but in exchange you get solitude, adventure, and hikes that feel more alive in the shoulder season. You gotta love those PNW moody vibes!
Winter Safety Starts Here
Once snow shows up, hiking risks change. Even on “easy” trails, icy slopes and hidden hazards can catch people off guard. The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) offers free one-hour classes to help you read their avalanche forecasts—an amazing resource for Washington hikers (nwac.us). If you’re planning to do more serious winter travel, consider an AIARE Level 1 course for avalanche safety.
Cold and wet conditions are no joke. Pack as if you might have to spend the night: emergency bivy, extra food and water, dry layers, and a way to contact Search and Rescue. It’s always better to have gear you don’t need than to be missing something when it matters most.
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Late Fall Trail Strategy
Skip for Now: Anything above ~4,500 feet (Enchantments, North Cascades high routes, Mount Rainier’s alpine zones). By late October they’re basically winter.
Sweet Spot: Mid-elevation hikes (2,000–4,000 feet) with good forest cover, accessible roads, and scenery that holds up even in fog.
Best Late Fall Hikes in Washington
Frog Mountain
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Why it works: This lesser-known gem near Stevens Pass usually stays accessible well into November. The forest cover protects you from wind, and even when the peek-a-boo views of Glacier Peak are socked in, the trail through old growth is worth the effort.
Real talk: This trail gets muddy fast and the final push to views can be icy. But the solitude factor is incredible – I’ve done this in late October and seen maybe two other people all day.
Snow Lake
Distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
Why it works: By late October, Snow Lake often lives up to its name with early snow creating dramatic contrasts. The trail stays well-traveled enough to remain beaten down, and the payoff of seeing the lake partially frozen or dusted with snow is spectacular.
Real talk: The final approach can be slippery and the lake viewpoint gets brutally windy. Microspikes are pretty much mandatory by November, and weather can change fast up there.
* regardless of the time of year please always do your homework regarding snow travel and access if its safe to go.
Mt.Pilchuck
Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,300 feet
Why it works: The fire lookout offers one of Washington’s most iconic viewpoints, and seeing surrounding peaks dusted with fresh snow is incredible. This is late fall hiking at its most dramatic.
Real talk: This is borderline sketchy by late October. Expect ice, potential snow, and genuinely challenging conditions. Please don’t attempt this without proper traction and winter layers.
Mailbox Peak
Distance: 9.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet
Why it works: The legendary leg-burner becomes much more manageable in cooler fall temperatures. The new trail route is safer than the old direct scramble, and the views from the top are dramatic with fall weather. I personally like to go up the old and down the new.
Real talk: This is still a serious workout and conditions can vary wildly with elevation. The upper sections can have snow while the bottom is just muddy. Come prepared for everything.
Franklin Falls
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Why it works: When daylight is limited or weather is questionable, this short waterfall hike delivers without major commitment. The falls are actually more impressive with fall rain and covered in a bit of ice.
Real talk: This can be crowded even in late fall because it’s so accessible. The trail gets muddy and slippery, but it’s manageable for most people and perfect for when you need a quick hiking fix.
High Rock Lookout
Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
Why it works: On the south side of Mount Rainier, this offers incredible views of the mountain’s snow-covered flanks without a huge time commitment. When conditions are right, it’s one of the best short hikes in the state.
Real talk: Snow can shut this road to most by late November, and the final scramble to the lookout can be treacherous when icy. Check conditions.
Annette Lake
Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
Why it works: Just off I-90, this is often one of the last accessible alpine lakes before winter fully takes over. The trail winds through beautiful forest, crosses multiple streams, and ends at a stunning lake surrounded by cliffs.
Real talk: Annette Lake is beautiful but not without challenges. In late fall the trail often turns muddy and slick, so expect some messy sections. After heavy rain, the stream crossings can be tricky, and the lake is often fogged in, hiding the big views. You’ll also pass a few avalanche chutes on the way up—harmless in shoulder season, but a serious hazard once true winter snow arrives. Do your research, check conditions, and save this one for late fall only if it’s safe.
Wallace Falls
Distance: 5.6 miles roundtrip (to Upper Falls)
Elevation gain: ~1,300 feet
Why it works: Wallace Falls is one of Washington’s classic waterfall hikes for a reason. The trail is close to Seattle, well-marked, and offers multiple turnaround points. You’ll pass a series of viewpoints with progressively bigger payoffs, from the Lower to Middle to the show-stopping Upper Falls, where water plunges nearly 400 feet.
Real talk: Because it’s beautiful and accessible year-round, Wallace Falls is very popular. Expect heavy crowds on weekends, especially in good weather. The trail is well-maintained, but after rain it can get muddy and slick in spots. This isn’t a wilderness escape—it’s more of a front-row seat to one of Washington’s most impressive waterfalls. If you go midweek or early morning, you’ll get more of that solitude you might be craving.
Must-Have Gear for Late Fall
Keep it simple:
- Waterproof boots (trail runners = cold, wet misery)
- Microspikes for ice
- Layers for 30°+ temperature swings
- Reliable rain gear (not “water-resistant”)
- Headlamp (sunset is before 5 PM in November)
FAQs About Late Fall Hiking in Washington
Is late fall hiking safe?
Yes—if you pick the right trails, pack traction and layers, and know when to turn around.
Do I really need microspikes?
By late October, yes. Trails above 3,000 feet can be icy even when they look clear at the trailhead.
What’s the best low-elevation hike for November?
Waterfalls like Wallace Falls and Franklin Falls are at their best after fall rain.
What if the forecast looks terrible?
Have a backup plan—choose a shorter, forested trail. Sometimes the best late fall hikes are the unexpected ones.
Final Thoughts
Late fall isn’t about picture-perfect skies or alpine meadows—it’s about moody forests, roaring waterfalls, and trails that feel like real adventure. If you adjust your expectations, embrace dramatic weather, and prepare properly, Washington’s shoulder season can be just as rewarding as summer.
The real reward? While others wait for “hiking season” to return, you’ll know it never really ended.
