The leaves are turning quickly, the weather is cooling and fall is undeniably in the air. Searching for yellows, oranges and reds, I picked the brains of many hikers in this wonderful area. Here is a list of the most highly recommended fall hikes. Check trail reports to make sure you hit these areas during their prime and be sure to follow us on Instagram or Pinterest, for more fall beauty!
Yellow Aster Butte: Mount Baker Area/ 7.5 miles roundtrip/ Gain: 2550 ft.
Gorgeously bright fall color makes Yellow Aster Butte one of the most popular in the North Cascades. As you climb, you’ll experience incredible wildflower displays in spring and early summer. During fall, the hillsides are alive with oranges, reds and yellows. For directions and recent trail reports, visit the WTA website.
Photo credit Trevor Anderson
Lake Valhalla: Stevens Pass Area/ 7.5 miles roundtrip/ Gain: 1500 ft.
This is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. In early summer, wildflowers are in abundance, berries will greet you later in the season and fall colors are plentiful in autumn. For directions and recent trail reports, visit the WTA website.
Photo by The Outbound
Mt. McCausland: Stevens Pass Area/ 7 miles roundtip/ Gain: 1800 ft.
The first three miles of this hike might seem easy, but the last half mile sometimes makes up for it. A final steep and sometimes brushy climb, takes you to a hillside covered in berries and colorful views. For directions and recent trail reports, visit the WTA website.
The Enchantments: Leavenworth Area/ 18 miles total/ Gain 4500 ft.
If you’ve been around the Washington hiker community for long, you know how popular the Enchantments are. Everyone wants a pass and all who have experienced this piece of paradise confirm that the hard work is worth it. For complete information, be sure to visit the WTA website.
Photo by Summit Post
Heather Maple Pass Loop: North Cascades Hwy 20/ 7.2 miles roundtrip/ Gain: 2000 ft.
This was my first hike in which I experienced hillsides covered with bright yellow Larches. It was almost too good to be true and to this day, this hike goes down as one of my favorites. For more photos, read our post from last year here. For directions and recent trail reports, visit the WTA website.
Lake Ingalls: Snoqualmie Region/ 9 miles roundtrip/ Gain: 2500 ft.
Ingalls Lake is one of the most highly recommended fall hikes and it makes sense why! The trail to this incredible lake is filled with so much beauty, both for the summer hikes as well as for those who appreciate fall colors. For directions and recent trail reports, visit the WTA website.
Photo by Seek the Sky
Carne Mountain: Stevens Pass Area/ 8 miles roundtrip/ Gain: 3600 ft.
Looking for a challenge with some fall colors that’ll make it worth your effort? Carne Mountain is for you! Get a great workout and enjoy the spectacular view. For directions and recent trail reports, visit the WTA website.
Photo by The Outbound
Gem Lake: Snoqualmie Pass/ 10 miles roundtrip/ Gain: 1800 ft.
Another highly recommended fall hike, Gem Lake is a great day hike! Beautiful colors surround the lake in autumn as do the many climbable peaks in the area. For directions and recent trail reports, visit the WTA website.
Which fall hike is your favorite? Please share below!