11 Best Fall Hikes in Washington (For Larches & Fall Colors)
The Pacific Northwest is the prime location for hiking in the United States, any time of year.
But when the leaves start to change from green to turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow, hiking becomes even more magical.
From the chilly weather, cozy sweaters, empty parking lots, and the incredible fall foliage, October is the best time to hit the trails.
Here is a list of some of the best fall hikes in Washington State.
Best Fall Hikes in Washington
Below you’ll find some of my favorite hikes to see fall foliage in the state of Washington.
All of them are so worthwhile and are great any time of year, but especially when October rolls around.
1. Lake Ingalls
Distance: 8.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest & Day Permit for Alpine Lakes Wilderness
4×4 Required: No
It’s hard to dispute the fact that the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in northern Washington is one of the most beautiful places in the state.
With amazing alpine lakes, mountains towering above you, and roaming mountain goats, it’s almost impossible to be let down.
Lake Ingalls holds up those expectation, coming in as one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done.
It won’t take long before you start to have incredible views in every direction that you look.
After about 3 miles of weaving through switchbacks, you’ll reach Ingalls Pass, which reveals Mount Stuart and an ocean of golden larches in the valley.
This is definitely one of the best larch hikes in Washington during the fall months.
From here, the views just get better and better. Look behind you and see Mount Rainier, dominating the skyline, and Mount Adams far in the distance.
Mount Stuart juts out of the ground in the other direction and creates a dramatic landscape, that you’re walking right into.
Once you reach the bright blue lake, spend some time relaxing on a rock, taking in the views, and preparing for the hike back down.
2. Cutthroat Pass
Distance: 10 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: North Cascades National Park
Pass Required: National Parks Pass
4×4 Required: No
Right across the street from the ever popular Maple Pass Loop is the Trailhead for Cutthroat Pass.
Want to get out and see some epic fall colors but aren’t up for sharing the trail with hundreds of people? This is your hike.
Most people head over to Maple Pass, but they’re definitely missing out if they skip the hike to Cutthroat Pass.
You’lll still get to see those dramatic mountain views and enjoy more peace and quiet over here.
The fall colors still flood the fields and provide amazing views out into the Cascade Mountrain Range.
One fo the coolest parts of this hike is the opportunity to talk with thru-hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail, as this follows that trail.
Once you’ve made it to Cutthroat Pass, sitting at 6,798 feet above sea level, stop and enjoy the views, and maybe a fun hiking lunch.
3. Maple Pass Loop
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee Natonal Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
4×4 Required: No
Found way up north, just a few minutes outside of North Cascades National Park, is the trailhead fo the Maple Pass Loop.
This incredibly beautiful (and incredibly popular) trail leads you high above the mountains to an overlook down into Ann Lake.
Some of the most spectacular views of the cascade mountains can be found here, and during the fall, it’s even better.
After about 2.5-3 miles of hiking, you’ll start rounding the corner on the rim of the valley that Ann Lake is found in.
You’ll be able to see for miles when you’re at the top, and will truly be left speechless.
What makes this one of the best fall hikes in Washington is the red and yellow leaves that cover the ground in every direction.
Tall trees, small bushes, and even small plants that barely make it off the ground are getting in the fall spirit with changing foliage.
It’s so spectacular that I can promise you won’t want to leave.
Tip: Wear bug spray here! Many reviews (and personal experience) state that the bugs are terrible.
4. Mount McCausland
Distance: 6.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: None
4×4 Required: No
If you’re looking for a fall hike near Seattle, then Mount McCausland is a perfect one for you, being only 2 hours to the west.
It’s always tough to believe that these hikes are so close to such a large city, because they feel hours and hours away from civilization.
On the trail to Mount McCausland, you’ll notice that it’s fairly moderate until you reach that final stretch to the peak.
After about 3 miles of hiking, you’ll notice a split in the trail, where you’ll want to keep to the right. The left turn heads toward Lake Valhalla.
Once you’ve turned off, you’ll be only about half a mile from the peak, where it turns into more of a scramble as you climb uphill over rocks.
On the way to the 5,642-foot peak, you might see blueberry and huckleberry bushes, and depending on when you visit, you might get to enjoy a few.
After you’ve reached the top, you’ll have epic views of Lake Valhalla below, and a flood of reds, yellows, and oranges circling the water.
5. Yellow Aster Butte
Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Mount Baker Wilderness
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
4×4 Required: No
The Yellow Aster Butte hike is surely one of the most popular fall hikes in Washington.
It almost seems as if someone took a bucket of red paint and dumped it right over the entire aea, just for the month of October.
It’s really an incredible sight to see, and you get the chance to be fully immersed in it for almost 9 miles.
This challenging hike is way up in northern Washington, almost over the Canadian border.
It’s a pretty steep hike up and you’ll be feeling it when you reach the top, but the views will keep you occupied as you climb.
You’ll feel on top of the world here, as you look out and see what seems like endless mountains, including Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan.
What seems to be one of the best hikes around during the summer becomes something so much more special each year when October hits.
6. Naches Peak Loop
Distance: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderae
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
4×4 Required: No
The moderately challenging hike around the Naches Peak Loop is one of the most spectacular within Mount Rainier National Park.
With a pretty short distance and low elevation gain, compared to others on this list, you’ll feel like you just robbed Washington of a great view for minimal effort.
Your hike will start at Tipsoo Lake, where you can catch some pretty epic views, right from the parking lot.
Continue onwards as you make your way around the 6,296-foot Naches Peak.
You can choose to go either way around the loop, but most people recommend going clockwise.
Along the entire trail, you’ll be surrounded by red bushes that line the path, as well as views of Mount Rainier either behind or in front of you.
If you take the clockwise loop, you’ll come to a small pond after about 1.8 miles of hiking, which is a popular photography spot.
On your way back to the parking lot, don’t forget to look up and see the incredible Mount Rainier, the tallest mountain in Washington.
7. Silver Star Mountain
Distance: 6.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
4×4 Required: No, but high clearance is helpful
After living in southwest Washington for 6 months, I got the amazing opportunity to experience Silver Star Mountain multiple times.
As one of (in my opinion) southern Washington’s best hikes, in the summer, just imagine what it’s like on those chilly fall days.
You’ll climb uphill the entire way for about 3 miles, with great views after you get up and out of the forest.
But the real star of the show is the overlook once you’ve reached the top.
Looking out, you’ll have views of five of Washington and Oregon’s most prominent mountains.
Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier (look hard, she’s far away!), Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson (also far away!).
Along with the incredible, unique view of so many of these PNW volcanoes, you’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful fall colors.
Reds, yellows, and greens fill the trees and bushes surrounding the overlook, making for one magical experience.
8. Tipsoo Lake
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
4×4 Required: No
As you probably read above when I talked about Naches Peak, Tipsoo Lake is right at the trailhead for the hike.
But if you’re looking for something a bit shorter and easier, make Tipsoo Lake it’s own hike and still enjoy one of the prettiest PNW fall hikes.
This very easy and short loop hike is perfect for beginner hikers or those with little kids who still want to see the fall colors.
You can see Tipsoo Lake right from the parking lot, but the best way to experience it is to take the flat loop trail around it.
The best part of this hike captures a view od Tipsoo Lake surrounded by tall trees and Mount Rainier towering behind it.
In the fall months, the grass turns a bright shade of yellow and bunches of red leaves fill the small bushes on the ground.
You’ll be blown away that you’re getting such beautiful views for such a short hike, but that’s sometimes just how things work up in the Pacific Northwest.
And if you’re feeling good and are up for some more hiking, head on out for the Naches Peak Loop.
9. Blue Lake
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 950 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
4×4 Required: No
Another hike up in the northern Cascade Range? What can I say? It’s truly the best place for hiking in Washington.
The trail to Blue Lake is moderately challenging, with under 1,000 feet of elevation gain, making it pretty great for families with older children.
You’ll be led through a wooded forest, surrounded by rocky, jagged mountains, peaking out over the treetops.
Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll fully understand why it’s called Blue Lake, as the water is crystal clear and a bright shade of blue.
Circling the lake in the falltime are golden Washington larches and green trees that have yet to change colors.
As winter gets closer, snow begins to fall, compiling around the lake and creating a magical contrast between it and the dark-colored rocks.
If you’re lucky, you might just spot a mountain goat or two climbing around the cliffs at the lake.
Spend time relaxing on the rocks surrounding Blue Lake, as this is a view that you’re definitely going to want to remember.
10. The Enchantments
Distance: 20.5
Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
Difficulty: Very hard
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest & Day Permit for Alpine Lakes Wilderness
4×4 Required: No, but high clearance is helpful
Ahh, here it is. The quintessential fall hike in Washington, or any time of year, for that matter.
The Enchantments. Every backpackers dream is to snag a lottery ticket to camp overnight in the Core Zone, but it’s also possible to do this is a day trip.
Located up north in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this 20-22 mile hike will kick your butt, but provide you with some of the most beautiful views you’ve ever seen.
You’ll get to hit some of the most popular areas of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness including Colchuck and Snow Lakes.
Since this is a point-to-point hike, most people start at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lakes Trailhead with a shuttle back to their car.
Once you’ve passed Colchuck, you’ll climb over Aasgard Pass and into the Core, home to mountain goats and golden larches in the fall.
Continue along the trail, passing numerous lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and more, before making it over to the Snow Lakes Trailhead.
Your legs will be tired, you’ll surely be ready for a huge meal, and your heart will be full after seeing those breathtaking views.
If you can manage The Enchantments as a day hike, you’ll have completed one of the best fall hikes in the PNW.
11. Esmeralda Basin Loop
Distance: 8.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
4×4 Required: No
Starting at the same trailhead as the hike to Lake Ingalls, Esmeralda Basin is another beautiful hike featuring larches in Washington.
After only about 1/4 mile of hiking, you’ll come to a split in the trail, where you’ll want to stay to the left. Going to the right leads to Lake Ingalls.
Continue following along the trail, you’ll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the North Fork Teanaway River.
You’lll walk along rocky cliffs with views of jagged mountain peaks, wildflowers in the summer, and bright colors in the fall.
When September and October come around and colors begin to change, this is one of the best places to see Washington’s famous golden larches.
There are a few places along the trail that cross streams, so wear a pair of waterproof boots!
And although it is rated as moderate, there’s quite a bit of elevation change on this trail, so I’d probably say it’s on the more difficult side of moderate.
When is Fall in Washington State?
The summer months are usually pretty short over in the Pacific Northwets and tend to die down after August.
When September hits, the fall season is in full fledge, and you’ll begin seeing bright colors popping up everywhere.
September through October are typical fall months, with the best of the fall foliage peaking around the first two weeks of October.
This means that the famous golden larch trees are usually at their peak during these two weeks.
Sometimes, you’ll even see a crossover between fall and winter when snow starts to fly in later October.
This is one of the prettiest views, with the golden larches being dusted with a light layer of white.
Leaves in the eastern half of the state tend to turn sooner than those in the west, so account for this as well during your travels.
Can You Hike in Washington in October?
Prime hiking season in Washington state typically happens between July and September.
This is because the temperatures are warm, snow is usually melted off of the trails, and wildflowers are blooming.
But, if you’re like me, you’ll like a good hike under trees filled with golden, red, and orange leaves.
Hiking is beautiful in October in Washington, and you certainly can still hit the trails throughout the month of October!
But be sure to keep an eye on the weather, because snow tends to start falling around mid-late October in the mountains.
Be prepared for chillier temperatures and the potential for snow, but thoroughly enjoy those beautiful fall months before winter rolls around.
Tips for Hiking in Fall in Washington
What to Wear Hiking in Washington in Fall
Sturdy Hiking Boots — My favorite Oboz Sawtooth’s have lasted me forever, are comfy, and are super sturdy. I highly recommend them! (Men’s version here)
Wool Hiking Socks — Darn Tough makes the best socks for hiking, and they come with a lifetime warranty! Score!
Rain Jacket — It could rain literally any second in the PNW, so always carry a rainjacket. I have this one from Columbia. (Men’s version here)
Base Layer T-Shirt — This Baleaf shirt is a great option for a lightweight, quick drying t-shirt for underneath your sweater. (Men’s version here)
Mid-Layer — This Cotopaxi fleece sweater will help keep you warm on those chilly fall days. (Men’s version here)
Long Pants –– These are the hiking pants that I wear when it’s chilly outside. They’re lightweight and fast drying. (Men’s version here)
Sunscreen — Even when the sun isn’t out, it’s still important to protect your skin when you’re outside. Grab one to keep in your hiking bag.
Bug Spray — The bugs can get pretty bad out there in the fall months, so grab this Sky Organics bug spray to keep in your bag.
Wrap-Up: Best Fall Hikes in Washington
Looking for the best places to see fall foliage while in the Pacific Northwest?
There are so many incredible hikes to get out and enjoy the cool breeze, changing leaves, and uncrowded trails.
This list of the best fall hikes in Washington is full of great hikes with epic views, featuring bright-colored leaves and golden larches.
