Gold Larches Await! 24 Best Larch Hikes in Washington
Everyone knows the handful of classic larch hikes in Washington. But if you’re looking for more than the standard insanely packed trails, keep reading to learn about unbelievably stunning larch hikes throughout the state.
Obviously, this is not a complete list, but it is an excellent place to start! These best Washington larch hikes below highlight hidden gems and hard-to-reach larch hikes that will push your bodies and comfort zones and bring you to stunning vistas surrounded by a sea of gold!
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A Guide to the Best Larch Hikes in Washington for October
Unfortunately, I have not done all of these fall hikes, but the ones with photos I have completed. Hopefully, this will give you plenty of ideas for exploring less visited areas. The less popular ones are less popular for a reason. They are hard to reach, and you really have to want it!
The Popular Washington Larch Hikes
1. Maple Pass
Everyone knows about Maple Pass, so I don’t need to go on. The views are simply stunning, and larches are abundant. But so are the people. The cars parked along the side of the road usually stretch a mile on both sides of the trailhead.
The larches will be backlit at sunrise, but at sunset, the peaks in the distance will light up. Both are stunning to witness. I’ve done this hike twice but never actually done the entire loop. I always stop at the back of the lake on the ridgeline (counterclockwise up) and then turn back. Here’s the route for the full loop.
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,150 (2,600 feet gain if you do the whole loop or reach the high point)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Drive time from Seattle: 3 hours
2. Wing Lake
It is the same trailhead as the above, but Wing Lake turns right at Heather Pass and heads down to Lewis Lake and then up towards Black Peak. This used to be a hidden gem, but it is now just as crowded as any other place. It’s best photographed at sunrise, as the larches glow when backlit.
It’s by far one of the best larch hikes in Washington.
- Distance: 9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 3 hours
3. Enchantments Core Zone
There’s a reason this is one of the most popular trails in the entire state and PNW. The larches in the Enchantments Core Zonea are spectacular, and if you have the energy to hike 20 miles, it’s hands-down one of the best larch hikes in Washington.
The issue with this trail is that it starts and ends in the dark. If you don’t want to go down Aasgard Pass, you’ll need two cars.
I’ve backpacked this area twice but never done it for fall colors. One day, I’d love to see the golden larches here.
- Distance: 18-20 miles
- Elevation Gain: 5800 (thru-hike)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 2.75 hours
4. Blue Lake
One of the easiest larch trails on this list, which makes it super popular and crowded. I previously did this in the summer and loved it and just check it off my fall list in October 2024. It has a stunning set of larches and if the lake is calm, creates a perfect reflection!
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Drive time from Seattle: 3 hours
5. Cutthroat Pass via Cutthroat Lake
I personally like this route better, as it’s slightly less crowded than the zoo at Maple Pass. (You can also hike up to Cutthroat Pass via the PCT, which is on the opposite side of the Maple Pass trailhead.) This route warms you up nicely as you hike to Cutthroat Lake. Then you have a gingerly ascent to the pass. You get closer to larches on this side and I was thoroughly enamored with the views.
- Distance: 12 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Drive time from Seattle: 3.25 hours
6. Easy Pass
Off Highway 20 near Maple and Cutthroat, Easy Pass is anything but easy (though it has a steady incline). It’s almost 1,000 feet a mile to reach the saddle, but once you do, you’ll have golden larches to soak in! If you want to be in this area, it’s a good option versus the other overly crowded trails.
This trail starts in the National Forest and ends at the pass in North Cascades National Park. So, if you haven’t done Cascade Pass/Sahale Glacier Camp, this is a good way actually to get inside the park boundaries.
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 3 hours
7. Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin
There are no larches at Lake Ingalls, but you do get a nice grove of them inside Headlight Basin as you hike in. The basin is a great place to spend the night so as not to rush the experience. Seeing the lake with Mount Stuart above is a treat.
- Distance: 9.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,200
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 2.75 hours
8. Lake Ann via Esmeralda Basin
Starting at the same trailhead as Lake Ingalls, you’ll share the trail for 0.3 miles. Instead of going right, keep hiking straight, and you’ll make your way into Esmeralda Basin. It looks to be a gradual incline for the entirety of the hike until you reach the high point and drop down to Lake Ann.
You’ll be directly southwest of Lake Ingalls, with views of Ingalls Peak in front of you.
- Distance: 8.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,500
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 2.75 hours
Less Traveled Larch Hikes in Washington
9. Carne Mountain
It is a steep as heck climb up but full of gorgeous larches. It’s been on my list for a while, and I’m hoping to check it off in 2024 before winter hits. It honestly looks like heaven up there, but you need to be okay with a grueling hike up.
This area is a gem, but it’s also a long drive. You have to drive past Lake Wenatchee all the way to Trinity.
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 3.25 hours
10. Upper and Lower Ice Lake via Freezer Pass
This is an add-on from the above. Instead of stopping at Carne Mountain High Route to reach Freezer Pass. It’s one of the more off-the-beaten-path locations for larch hikes in Washington, but it’s well worth it if you want to put in the effort. Most people who come here do so to climb Mount Maude, but the lakes are also quite nice too!
To reach Freezer Pass, it’s almost seven miles and 4,100 feet of gain.
- Distance: 15 miles
- Elevation Gain: Close to 7,600 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle:
11. Cooney Lake (Golden Lakes Loop)
Well, there’s no denying this is at the top of the best larch hikes in Washington. The entire Basin is a sea of golden larches at its prime, and I can’t understate how stunning it is. The trail is never-ending – over 9 miles each way – but isn’t hard-hard. It’s just long and gradual.
I hiked up a bit above the lake to get the view above and highly recommend it, even if it is an extra 500 feet up.
- Distance: 19 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,5000
- Difficulty: Hard (due to distance)
- Drive time from Seattle: 4.5 miles
12. Crater Lakes Trail
It’s the same trailhead as Cooney, but at about the mile mark, you branch off and head up to Crater Lakes. This is a shorter option as opposed to hiking nearly 10 miles to Cooney. Reaching the lakes is a gradual ascent up, making it one of the best larch hikes in Washington.
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 4.5 hours
13. Snowy Lakes
This one allows you to tackle two epic larch spots on one hike. Starting at the Cutthroat Pass via the PCT trail, head up to the first larch mecca. At the 5.5-mile mark, you’ll reach the pass, and you’ll continue heading north. You’ll begin descending into a valley a mile later before hiking back up to the lakes. Lower Snowy Lakes comes first, and then Upper Snow Lakes.
- Distance: 21 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 4,100 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 3 hours
14. Blewett Pass
This is one where you can basically drive up to them. Once you’re in the area, hop on the Swauk Forest Discovery Trail. It should be pretty good for the entire family! There are other trails in the area as well, so do some research if you’ve already done the above.
- Distance: 2.5-3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Drive time from Seattle: 2 hours
15. Grasshopper Pass
It’s one of my favorite larch hikes in Washington. The trail hikes a portion of the PCT southbound from the Slate Pass, and once you reach Grasshopper Pass, you will see a sea of golden larches. I was in utter disbelief at how stunning the area was!
- Distance: 9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,200
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Drive time from Seattle: 4.5 hours
16. Horseshoe Lake
While all the crowds go into the Enchantments, Horseshoe Lake, above Lake Stuart, holds a plethora of larches and epic views. It’s not easy to get to, as you have a lot of miles and a challenging final push (1,300 feet of gain), but to be without the crowds and see golden trees, it’s worth it.
- Distance: 16
- Elevation Gain: 3,000
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 2.75 hours
17. Harts Pass
This requires little effort, as you can drive a dirt road up. However, the road is quite bumpy and narrow at times and should only be driven with a higher clearance vehicle. Once there, Slate Pass has a nice number of larches and reds.
- Distance: Nil
- Elevation Gain: Nil
- Difficulty: Easy
- Drive time from Seattle: 4.5 hours
18. Lake Doris
Starting from the Slate Pass area, you head WAY out into the Pasayten Wilderness. This is not for the faint of heart or for typical hikers looking for a nice, cushy hike. The final two miles are a 2,000-foot gain to Lake Doris.
- Distance: 23 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 5,400 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 4.5 hours
19. Star Basin (Fish Creek Pass)
Another one not for the standard hikes, but if you’re looking for one of the best larch hikes in Washington without any crowds, Star Basin is your place! For the most part, this isn’t a bad trail, with two harder sections where you gain most of your elevation.
- Distance: 12-18 miles, depending on if you summit Courtney Peak or Star Peak
- Elevation Gain: 3,500+
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 4.5 hours
20. Libby Lake
Another one way out in the Twisp/Winthrop area that is prime for larches. Libby Lake is far from trafficked, allowing you to beat the crowds but still soak up some stunning views of the Chelan-Sawtooth area.
- Distance: 10.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,200
- Difficulty: Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 4.5 hours
21. Navaho Pass
One of the closer larch hikes to the Seattle metro area, Navaho Pass, gets you into the Teanaway region, offering awesome views of the Stuart Range, larches, and hopefully a little solitude. If you’re looking to bag a peak, keep going up Navaho Peak for even more epic views!
- Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,000
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 2 hours
22. Clara and Marion Lakes
It’s one of the easiest Washington larch hikes on this list. You start at the Mission Ridge Ski Resort and hike west on a gradual trail to the two lakes. You’ll hit Clara Lake first, after just a mile. And then Marion Lake is a half mile beyond that.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 950
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Drive time from Seattle: 3 hours
23. Jerry Lakes
Not at all for the novice hiker. This is a long and hard hike that will have you alone at the lakes. But you’ll be surrounded by larches and massive peaks, making it undeniably beautiful. The trail starts at Canyon Creek Trailhead and heads up and over Crater Mountain to Jerry Lakes.
- Distance: ~ 22 miles
- Elevation Gain: 7,800
- Difficulty: Very challenging
- Drive time from Seattle: 2.5 hours
24. Copper Glance Lake
It is a gorgeous larch hike that offers massive views and few crowds. It’s a hard-ish hike, with a steep first three miles before it levels off, quickly heads back up, and then meanders down to the lake. I strongly believe this is one of the best larch hikes in Washington.
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,500
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Drive time from Seattle: 4 hours
Gear for your Washington Larch hikes
- Base Layers
- Sun Hoodie – Men’s & Women’s
- Fleece – Men’s & Women’s
- Hooded Puffy Jacket 800+ down – Men’s & Women’s
- Lighter Puffy Jacket, no hood – Men’s & Women’s
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Hiking Poles
- Waterproof Boots
- 30L+ Hiking Pack – Men’s & Women’s
- Snacks while on the trail
- Bear Spray
- Headlamp
Things to know about larch hikes in Washington
When is larch season in Washington?
Larch season varies every year, but it is generally the last week of September and the first two to three weeks of October. In 2024, it seemed to be peak larch colors on the weekend of 10/12, though in past years, it has been earlier.
It also varies by elevation. Upper-elevation larches will turn first, while those at lower elevations will last longer.
Another caveat is wind. If it’s really windy, the larch needles, which are fragile, are will be blown off, causing larch season to end sooner than people would like.
Where do larches tend to reside?
In Washingon, larches tend to reside between 4,000 and 7,500 feet in elevation on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. This is why so many larch hikes are hours and hours of driving rom Seattle. They are quite literally on the far side of the mountains and usually in hard to reach places.
The Chelan-Sawtooth National Forest area has a crazy amount of larch hikes in Washington, even if it is a haul to reach.
Where else can I see larches?
Larches exist across the world (Switzerland, Italy, Russia, etc.), but the closest place in the US is the Canadian Rockies on the Alberta and British Columbia border. I chased fall colors here earlier in September 2024 and saw the most magnificent colors and views.
More Random Facts About Larches
- Two Main Species: Washington is home to two primary species of larches: the Western Larch (Larix occidentalis) and the Subalpine Larch (Larix lyallii). Western larch trees are typically found at lower elevations, while subalpine larches thrive at higher altitudes, often near the treeline.
- Deciduous Conifers: Unlike most coniferous trees, which keep their needles year-round, larches are deciduous. Their needles turn a brilliant golden-yellow in the fall before dropping, leaving the trees bare until spring.
- High-Elevation Survivors: The subalpine larch (Larix lyallii) grows at some of the highest elevations of any tree in the Cascades, often surviving harsh alpine conditions where other trees cannot grow.
- Long-lived Trees: Western larches can live for 500 to 1,000 years, making them some of the oldest trees in the region. Their thick bark helps them survive forest fires, which often kill other tree species.
- Unique Wood: The wood of the Western larch is highly valued for its strength and resistance to decay, making it a preferred material for construction, especially in outdoor applications like poles and railroad ties.
Final Thoughts on the Best Larch Hikes in Washington
As you can see, a lot of, these are not your standard Washington larch hikes, but that’s a good thing! There are so many other options out there instead of the same old trails and I hope that this best larch hikes in Washington article helps open your eyes to new spots and inspires you to get out there and see the world.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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