The Best Fall Hikes in Washington State
I think fall is my absolute favorite season! The crisp air, vibrant and colorful trails, and magical yellow larch trees – there’s truly nothing like it! Every year, the lush alpine meadows turn radiant hues of reds, yellows, and oranges and truly is one of the most spectacular sights to see. In this blog, I’m sharing with you some of my favorite trails to explore and hike this season! I cannot wait to keep exploring this beautiful state and finding more trails to share with you all – especially during my favorite season, the fall! Always remember to leave no trace, pack out what you pack in, stay on designated trails and leave the trails even better than you found them to keep Washington wild and beautiful for generations to come.
Happy Trails,
Lauren
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Best Time of Year for Fall Colors
Fall is undoubtedly the most enchanting time of year to discover the vibrant colors of Washington. From late September to the end of October, nature unveils its awe-inspiring spectacle of autumn foliage, reaching its peak in mid-October. Before heading out on the trails, it’s always wise to review WTA trail reports or AllTrails to ensure trail accessibility and to stay informed about any potential hazards such as washouts or icy/snowy conditions. Remember, the weather in the Pacific Northwest during fall can be unpredictable, so don’t forget to check the forecast before setting off on your adventure. Don’t forget to bring along warm layers, a cozy hat, snug gloves, and anything else that will keep you comfortable, warm, and dry during your hike. And hey, why not bring some hot cocoa and a trusty Jetboil to add an extra touch of coziness to your outdoor experience? Get ready for a season filled with unforgettable memories and the most breathtaking colors.
What is a Larch and Where to Find Them
Do you ever hear people raving about the Larches in Washington and think….what exactly is a Larch? A Larch is a deciduous tree disguised to look like a pine tree. In the summer, they are harder to spot since they blend in with all the other green fir trees. But in the fall – their needles turn from green to a vibrant yellow just like all the other deciduous trees! Their miraculous display of yellow only lasts for a few weeks – so be sure to catch them at their prime (we do this by closely monitoring trail reports since every year the larches are at their peak at different times of October). Last year, we saw yellow larches earlier towards the end of September!
In Washington State, larches are generally found on the east slopes of the Cascade Crest north of Snoqualmie Pass and above 3000 feet of elevation, going up to around 7000 feet of elevation. Most of the Larches we have seen have all been at either North Cascades National Park or The Enchantments. They truly are a magical sight to see, and if you get the chance to travel to Washington or explore here in the fall – they are a must-see!
Research / Navigation
I recommend downloading the Alltrails app – this is the best app in my opinion for finding trails that are suitable for backpacking. You can filter out the trails you are searching through with the keywords like “Wildflowers,” “Forest,” and “Lake” for example so you can find your very perfect summer trail! Also, we love using Washington Trails Association Trip Reports (if you’re planning on hiking/backpacking in Washington, where we are based out of) is another great place to research trails. Both Alltrails and WTA Trip Reports have been amazing resources for us to find accessible trails that are suitable for backpacking! People also provide great reviews of the trail as well so you know what you’re getting into (so it’s not too hard, or not accessible – downed tree, closed trailhead, washout, etc). The very best time to hike in Washington is late June to mid October. But always be sure to check trail reports before visiting!
Alltrails also comes in handy for having navigation right on your cell phone – you can download the trail before you go so you have the map downloaded on your phone and it will automatically track you on the app so you know where you are on the trail and so you don’t make any wrong turns. My favorite feature on this app is that it also has icons that shows you where camping spots are and where restrooms are along the trails so that you can navigate to your desired location with ease. And to be sure you are camping in a designated camping area.
Passes for hiking trails in Washington
To hike most of the trails in Washington you need a Discover Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass (or can pay the entry fee to the national park). Check Alltrails to see if the trail you are going to require one of these passes.
Map
Skyline Loop
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,788 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Pass: America the Beautiful Pass or Pay entry fee
Drive from Seattle: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Dog Friendly: No
Experience this beautiful and breathtaking hike at Mount Rainier National Park – this is one of our absolute favorite trails in the summer AND in the fall. It’s 6.2-mile loop trail near Paradise Inn, Washington. Be sure to go to the Myrtle Falls Viewpoint first to see the iconic waterfall with Mount Rainier behind it. So epic and beautiful! We always try to get to this trail early for sunrise or for sunset to avoid crowds. The fall colors here are absolutely stunning and must be added to your fall hiking list this season!
Cutthroat Pass
Location: North Cascades National Park
Distance: 10 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,024 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Pass: America the Beautiful Pass
Drive from Seattle: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
One of the most beautiful hikes for fall colors and yellow larch trees. Hike up a gradual grade through a beautiful forest, cascading mountain peaks and arrive to a sea of vibrant yellow larch trees.
Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Distance: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,198 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Pass: America the Beautiful Pass
Drive from Seattle: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Dog Friendly: No
A stunning hike for fall colors here in Washington with breathtaking views of Rainier, vibrant fall colored meadows, and if you’re lucky you might see a black bear munching on wild berries. I recommend a high clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead.
Summit Lake Trail
Location: Carbonado, Washington
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,443 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Drive from Seattle: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
We love Summit Lake Trail so much since it is as close you can get to Mount Rainier National Park without being inside the national park which means we can bring our dog! Hike up to a beautiful blue lake and on a clear day – be able to see Mount Rainier behind the lake. The most picturesque scene. Keep hiking from the lake until you reach the summit to get the most epic view of Rainier! Be sure you have a high clearance / AWD vehicle to get to this trailhead. The road up to the trail is very vertical, and has lots of rocks and potholes. So just be sure to drive slowly and you should be ok. Also – when you map to this trailhead on Apple Maps will tell you it is going to take 4-5 hours to reach the trailhead. Which is not true – it only does this since it knows you have to go up a pot hole filled road to reach the trailhead so it adds some extra time on the GPS. But it truly only takes about 2 1/2 hours from Seattle to reach this trail!
Blue Lake Trail
Location: North Cascades National Park
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 921 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass: America the Beautiful Pass or Pay entry fee
Drive from Seattle: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Dog Friendly: No
A short and easier hike to find beautiful yellow larch trees in the North Cascades up to a pristine blue lake. Don’t forget to check out the tarn a short hike up above the lake for more larch trees and beautiful views! Everyone seems to stop at the lake and miss out on the beautiful hidden tarn.
Bagley Lakes Loop
Location: Mount Baker National Forest
Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 259 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Drive from Seattle: 3 hours and 10 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Goat Peak Lookout Trail
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,443 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Pass: America the Beautiful Pass or Pay entry fee
Drive from Seattle: 4 hours 25 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Park Butte Lookout Trail
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,220 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Drive from Seattle: 2 hours 30 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap Trail
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,236 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Drive from Seattle: 2 hours 20 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Big Four Ice Caves
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: .6 miles
Elevation Gain: 29 feet (very easy, flat trail)!
Difficulty: Easy
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Drive from Seattle: 1 hour 20 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Dock Butte Trail
Fun fact, this photo made it on the cover of Washington Trails Magazine a few years ago
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,289 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Drive from Seattle: 2 hours 20 minutes
Dog Friendly: Yes
The Enchantments
Location: Leavenworth
Distance: 20.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,954 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass for day-use
Drive from Seattle: 2 hours 40 minutes
Dog Friendly: No
*Permits are required to camp overnight here through a lottery system that opens every February. Some people do day hike this – but it is a very difficult trail to day hike! Definitely recommend trying to win permits to spend more time in the beautiful place. For more information visit https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233273
What to pack
Day Backpack
It’s important to bring a backpack that’s comfy and able to hold all your gear for hiking! I love my REI backpack!
REI Trail 40
Gregory Maya 25 Pack
Refillable Water Bottle / Water Reservoir
When I first started hiking here in Washington, I just used a reusable water bottle to take with me on the trails. But after I had been hiking for a few months, I ended up getting a water reservoir and it’s the best ever! It’s so nice to have the convenience of drinking water while you hike from the water reservoir straw! It definitely helps you stay hydrated on the trail and they hold more water for longer, hotter summer hikes.
Gregory 3D Hydro Reservoir
Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir
Hydroflask Widemouth Water Bottle
Hiking Clothes
Layers are key! Dress warm to start the day, and then you can always take off clothes during the day as you get warmer / get your blood pumping from hiking. Comfort and function are key when it comes to finding hiking clothes that work best for you while backpacking. Make sure most of our apparel is moisture-wicking so that when you get sweaty while hiking it is able to dry quickly so that you can stay dry and warm throughout your entire trip!
Butterluxe Racerback Tank
Butterluxe High Waisted Leggings
Smartwool Merino Baselayer
Patagonia Better Sweater
REI Rainier Rain Jacket
Fjallraven Parka
Patagonia Nano Puff
Fjallraven Beanie
Socks
Wet, cold feet are not happy feet. Keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable in the backcountry and on the trails by investing in wool socks. And always bring a few extra pairs with you in your backpack to change into if your feet get wet or sweaty after a hike! My favorite brands are REI, Smartwool, and Darn Tough Socks.
Darn Tough Socks
Smartwool Socks
Footwear
I’m sharing my favorite hiking boots below that I have tried out on many trails and highly recommend. Also I recommend investing in microspikes to have in your bag in case of icy conditions! We have come across over a handful of instances hiking in Washington in the fall, winter, and even in the summer where we were so glad we had our microspikes on snow and ice up at high elevations. We have friends who have had to turn around on trails because they got so icy that it became dangerous for them to continue on, so you will be so glad you have them for safety and peace of mind!
Danner Women’s Adrika Boots
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Boots
Kahtoola Microspikes
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Headlamps + Lanterns
Headlamps are key to have packed in your backpack – especially if you’re planning on doing any sunrise or sunset hikes or plan on hiking in the dark. Sometimes you might also be hiking on a trail longer than you expected and might be hiking unexpectedly in the dark! So having a headlamp to light up the trails when it becomes pitch black is so important for your safety!
Black Diamond Headlamp
First Aid Kit
First aid kits have come in handy multiple times for me while hiking and backpacking. You can get nice compact ones made for hiking and backpacking, my favorites are below and are perfect for packing away in your backpack. I’ve gotten a few scrapes and gashes while out in the trails – and we’ve used the first aid kit to help disinfect and protect wounds from becoming infected.
Hart Day Hike First Aid Kit
Ultralight Medical Kit
Bear Spray
Please be safe and always have bear spray with you. All of our encounters with bears out on the trails have been from a safe distance and they have never shown signs of aggression in our experiences. BUT you truly never know what their temperament is going to be and if you will come across an aggressive one. Bear spray is also a great for other potential run-ins with wildlife like mountain lions and even could be used as protection against anyone or anything. I always feel safer when I’m hiking without my husband with a group of my girlfriends with the pepper spray to have against animals and humans. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and really gives me more peace of mind and security.
Counter Assault Bear Spray
Safety
Be sure to let a family member or close friend know where you’re going to be hiking to and for how long. You can give them GPS coordinates and the day you plan on coming home. To feel even safer, you can also buy something like a Garmin In-reach in order to be able to send text messages in case of an emergency. This is also great to have if I do not have phone service and need to check in with my husband and let him know I am safe and when I will be home.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
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Leave no trace
It is so important to respect these beautiful places and leave them even better than you found them! To brush up on how to leave no trace and learn about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace – head over to Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics website! Thank you so much for doing your part and protecting these beautiful places. Happy exploring!
Pin for future planning!
