Larch season is fleeting. Go forth and leaf peep at these Seattle-area spots.
Every class in September , the alpine forests in Washington state transform into vivid shades of gold . During the momentaneous season when late summer transitions into early tumble , the rich fleeceable needles of larch tree trees turn yellow . Washington and the Pacific Northwest have forests full of coniferous trees like pine and evergreens . Among these coniferous trees arelarches , which fall into a special class . These towering coniferous trees reach about 70 feet in acme and have short pine needles and cones . Unlike other conifers , larch mislay their needles every fall and are assort consequently as “ deciduous conifers . ” In the week leave up to pour forth time of year , the trees plow vibrant golden hue that perch up timberland and mountains in Washington land . Beyond the reach of Washington , fall leafage of larches can also be found in theatrical role of Oregon , Montana , Idaho , British Columbia , and Alberta .
Curious to catch a glimpse of these gold beauties ? Both western and subalpine larch are peculiarly striking in North Cascades National Park . They can also be found in the Central Cascades and in Mount Rainier National Park . As soon as larch season hits — typically around mid - to - later September — outside fanatics and hike partisan flock to the mountains to experience the larches in all of their golden glory , also do it as the “ larch march . ” larch tree time of year is inadequate but dulcet , poke out through about early - to - mid October . lacing up your hiking boot and get ready to experience these brilliant yellowish - gold tree on some phenomenal trails .
Where to See Larch Trees Near Seattle
North Cascades National ParkLocated about a three - hour drive east from Seattle along the incredibly picturesque North Cascades Scenic Byway , North Cascades National Park is home to some of the sound trails for larch tree view . The trails deviate from restrained to challenging , flow anywhere between about five to 10 miles . Heather - Maple Pass , Cutthroat Pass , Lake Ingalls , andBlue Lakeare among the best hikes to experience the splendor of the golden larches . The yellow - pined trees argument ridges of mountains against a backdrop of dramatic , snowy top in the Cascade Range and beleaguer the bluish amniotic fluid of alpine lakes on some trail . Drive sentence from Seattle : about three hour
Central CascadesThe cardinal Cascades are another prime area for larch viewing , about two - and - a - one-half hours ’ effort from Seattle . While the area does n’t have quite as many golden hikes as the North Cascades , some of Washington ’s favorites hikes are in this domain , namelyColchuck Lake . And if you ’re experience up for an incredibly retentive and challenging day of tramp — ( we ’re talking slay the trails around 5 or 6 am early ) — the through hike ofThe Enchantmentsis an out-and-out stunner . Beyond larch tree - occupy meadow , you ’ll scramble up Boulder , gaze at granite vizor , and take rest by vivid , icy blue lakes . Carne Mountainis another wage increase in the area that attract few crowds than the others . force back fourth dimension : two hour and 30 minutes
Mount Rainier National ParkMount Rainier National Park is southwest of Seattle , about a two - to - two - and - a - half - hour driving from the city count on which section of the parking area you ’re visiting . While the North and Central Cascades may get most of the buzz for larch , parts of the wild around Mount Rainier are still afire with golden pines in the early weeks of autumn . Naches Peak LoopandGoat Peakare sure to wow you with their golden forests . And the bonus ? The meadow of huckleberry bushes turn fiery shades of orange and red , work for a vibrant display of fall leafage against the backdrop of the slop glacier of Rainier . Drive time : about two 60 minutes
North Cascades National Park|Alan Majchrowicz/Getty Images
SeattleWhile the most spectacular displays are in the remote range of the mountains and home parks , if you ’re short on time or not up for a more extended cost increase , you could still get larch season in the city of Seattle . Spots likeWashington Park Arboretum , Ravenna Park , andWoodland Parkhave larches and make for a perfect good morning or afternoon stroll through the chicken - atomic number 79 pine tree . Drive prison term : five to 15 bit
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