Autumn is a magical time in Washington State. The leaves change color, the air is crisp and cool, and the days are still long enough for leisurely hikes. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the beauty of autumn in Washington, here are 6 hikes that you won’t want to miss on your next visit to Washington State.
Blue Lake
Distance: 4.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,050
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Kid-Friendly: Yes
The scenery along the Blue Lake Trail is simply stunning. The trail winds through a beautiful forest of towering pines and firs, eventually leading to a sparkling alpine lake surrounded by larch trees. The larch trees turn a brilliant golden color in the fall, making this hike a must-do for anyone chasing larches.
Larch season typically falls in late September or early October, however, it’s important to note that the larch season can vary from year to year. It’s always best to check the park website for current conditions before you go.
In addition to the larch trees, the Blue Lake Trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can see Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and the North Cascades peaks. Don’t forget your layers and the weather can be cold and wet, especially in the mornings and evenings in the North Cascades.
Colchuck Lake
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,280
Difficulty: Hard
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog-Friendly: No
Kid-Friendly: No
Colchuck Lake in the Enchantments Wilderness is a popular trail year-round. Even more so in the fall when the stunning alpine lake is surrounded by snowcapped peaks (Dragontail Peak, Aasgard Pass, and the Enchantments Peaks) and golden larches. Since it gets quite crowded during peak times and is a steep strenuous trail, start early in the morning, and don’t forget to pack layers as it can be chilly.
Read more about hiking Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake here.
Twin Lakes Trail
Distance: 6.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,414 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Twin Lakes trail is a popular trail outside of Leavenworth with breathtaking views, especially to check off your autumn hikes list. The trail winds through the forest eventually opening up to two stunning alpine lakes surrounded by colorful autumn foliage. The hike is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the fall season in the Cascade Mountains. With a variety of trees, you can expect to see shades of red, orange, yellow, and green!
Staying in Leavenworth? This Ultimate Guide to Visiting Leavenworth has everything you need to know about where to eat, stay and the best things to do!
Heather Maple Pass Loop
Distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog-Friendly: No
Kid-Friendly: No
The Heather Maple Pass Loop is one of the most popular fall hikes in Washington Sate and for good reason. Colorful larch tress turn a brilliant golden color contrasting against the turqoise alpine lakes providing a rewarding view.
There is limited parking in the lot but you’ll know you’ve arrived as you see cars parked on the side of Highway 20 for miles. Arrive early and prepare for crowds. Start the trail heading clockwise (to the left loop) for a less crowded experience.
Mount McCausland Lake Valhalla
Distance: 6.3 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,758 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Pass Required: None
Dog-Friendly: No
Kid-Friendly: No
Mount McCausland Trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of the Cascade Mountains is along the popular Pacific Crest Trail. The trail climbs through forests and meadows to reach the summit of Mount McCausland, which offers stunning views of Lake Valhalla and the surrounding mountains. The huckleberry bushes will turn a bright red offering a stunning contrast against the golden larch trees.
Eight Mile Lake
Distance: 7.7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,427 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog-Friendly: No
Kid-Friendly: No
Another beautiful hike in the Enchantments Wilderness is Eight Mile Lake. This trail is a lot less popular than Colchuck and Stuart Lake, so it’s likely you’ll have it to yourself. But be sure to pay attention to your map and download the offline version of AllTrails. You won’t have service and the few times I’ve been up there it was difficult to find the trail due to trees blown over from storms.
