Hiking is a popular hobby in Seattle. There are countless trails that can take you almost anywhere in the mountains, allowing for unlimited adventure.
The only issue is that the typical summer hiking season is so short, with only a few months to enjoy the good weather. But towards the end of this short season, thanks to a very special tree, these amazing hikes become even more beautiful and memorable.
Hidden deep within the Cascades are larches: a type of tree that — upon first glance — appears to be an evergreen, but transforms a golden yellow in the fall. According to the Washington Trails Association Magazine, Larches usually live in colder places than evergreen trees, so in the winter, they shed their needles to save energy. The yellow color is caused by the colder temperatures forcing the chemical pigment chlorophyll into the trunk of the tree, leaving behind the famous yellow color. Unfortunately, this splash of color doesn’t last for that long, usually running from late September to the middle of October.
To give you the best chance of finding some beautiful fall colors, Tatler has compiled a list of the five best hikes to see larches.
Heather-Maple Pass Loop
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,020 feet
Driving Time from Seattle: ~3 hours
Heather-Maple Pass Loop is an amazing opportunity to spot some larches. After ascending through an evergreen forest, you get a view of Ann Lake — a small lake situated below the trail — which is surrounded by larches adding their distinctive yellow tint to the landscape. Keep climbing, and you’ll summit a ridge and end up with panoramic views of the North Cascades. Since this trail is a loop, going down is just as unique as going up, with views of Rainy Lake as you descend back down to the parking lot.
Cutthroat Pass
Distance: 10.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Driving Time from Seattle: ~3 hours
While I haven’t personally been on this trail, it is on the top of my list this season. When looking at images online, fall colors seem to be abundant on the trail. This hike takes you up the valley wall to reach Cutthroat Pass, where you reach amazing views of the valley that is also covered in larches. This trail runs on the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, so if you see any through-hikers, make sure to say hi! This trail is slightly longer than Heather-Maple Loop Pass, so build more time into your day to complete it.
Lewis Lake
Distance: 7.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Driving Time from Seattle: ~3 hours
This hike is an offshoot of the Heater-Maple Pass Loop trail. After turning off the main trail, follow a valley until you reach a boulder field. Due to the varying sizes of the rocks as well as the length, this boulder field can be a challenge to cross. Once on the boulder field, head towards Lewis Lake, which can be seen in the distance. If you choose to continue up the path, you will eventually reach Wing Lake, which has amazing views of Black Peak. However, this adds distance to the hike, so make sure you keep track of time and turn back if needed.
Easy Pass
Distance: 7.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Driving Time from Seattle: ~3 hours
This hike starts in the forest before reaching a boulder field. Eventually, it takes you up to an amazing view of the valley. It also gives you views of larches that surround you, as well as ones that are far away, creating a beautiful sight.
Clara and Marion Lakes
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Driving Time from Seattle: ~3 hours
While being the shortest hike on this list, this hike still presents the opportunity to admire some amazing views of larches. If you have a busy weekend schedule, this hike will give you the beautiful colors without as much work. At the end of the hike, there are two small lakes surrounded by larches on all sides. At these lakes, you can rest and enjoy the unique landscape of these lakes. Additionally, this hike allows dogs on leashes, so you can bring along your furry friend!
These hikes offer a great way to experience the outdoors before winter begins, and they have the added benefit of offering a unique fall experience that you can’t easily find in Seattle. If you try any of these hikes, make sure to check the weather and other hiker’s trip reports to make sure you are up to date on the condition of the trail. Happy hiking!
*Descriptions for Cutthroat Pass, Easy Pass, and Clara and Marion Lakes were all based off of the Washington Trails Association’s account of the trails. Distances and elevation gains for all hikes were also based on these accounts. Driving times from Seattle were based on Google Maps’s estimates.
