When you think of gorgeous fall foliage, you may not necessarily consider Washington state and its dense pine tree forests. But, come fall, something quite magical happens in Washington–its larch trees, a unique kind of conifer, turn stunning shades of blazing gold. If you want to see this autumn spectacle for yourself, here’s the 7 of the best larch hikes in Washington.
Every autumn, something magical happens in North Cascades in Washington—its larches, a unique type of coniferous alpine tree, turn vibrant shades of gold. Sounds like an autumn lover’s dream come true? It totally is! If you want to see one of the most unique displays of fall foliage on the planet, here’s three incredible hikes to see larches in the North Cascades.
The Burroughs Mountain Trail is a hidden gem in Mount Rainier National Park, taking you past sparkling alpine lakes to jaw-dropping views of Washington state’s tallest mountain and its many glaciers, plus panoramic vistas of the surrounding Cascades. If you want to hike this incredible trail for yourself, here’s everything you need to know about the Burroughs Mountain Trail.
The Sage Hills Loop is a gorgeous hike, right outside of Wenatchee, Washington, offering views of snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and even wildlife sighting opportunities. Come springtime, though, this already stunning trail explodes with wildflowers, with vibrant blooms of yellow, purple, and white blanketing its slopes, as far as the eye can see. Here’s everything you need to know about the Sage Hills Loop, the best wildflower hike in Washington.
The Hoh Rainforest is perhaps the most famous area of Washington state’s Olympic National Park, with its ancient trees, dripping with moss, and towering primeval ferns. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, this magical place is a must on any Olympic National Park itinerary. Here’s the most incredible Hoh Rainforest hikes that are perfect for exploring this wild and otherworldly place.
Most people know that Washington offers epic scenery, from some of the most dramatic mountainscapes on the planet to lush rainforests and rugged coastline. So it should be no surprise that three incredible national parks are found within its footprint; in fact, it’s tied for fifth as the state with the most national parks! Here’s everything you need to know about Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades, the three amazing Washington national parks.
There’s perhaps no hike in Olympic National Park that’s more iconic than the Hall of Mosses trail. Located in the lush Hoh Rainforest, the Hall of Mosses lives up to its name, with verdant moss carpeting the forest ground, larger-than-life primeval ferns, and trees soaring hundreds of feet overhead. Best of all, this easy trail is accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hall of Mosses trail, a walk through a real-life fairytale forest.
Imagine soaking in a steamy tub, perched on a mountaintop and surrounded by towering pine trees. Sound like a dream come true? Scenic Hot Springs, tucked in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, offers all of this, plus a good dose of outdoor adventure along the way.
But getting here is not without its quirks—given that you’ll need a coveted permit and hike up 1,100 feet of elevation to visit the springs, there’s a bit of planning you’ll need to do ahead of time. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Scenic Hot Springs.
The North Cascades in Washington state are fantastically gorgeous, with some of the most dramatic mountainscapes and best hiking opportunities on the planet. The Cutthroat Pass Trail is no exception, taking you past a beautiful lake and up to the ridge of a mountain, with dazzling views of the surrounding Cascades. So lace up those hiking boots- here’s everything you need to know about the Cutthroat Pass Trail.
The Park Butte Lookout Trail in Washington state has all the best features of a Pacific Northwest hike—beautiful wildflowers, jaw-dropping views of Mount Baker and the surrounding Cascades, and, of course, a historic fire lookout. And better yet, you can actually even camp in the fire lookout for free! Sound like a dream come true? Here’s everything you need to know about the Park Butte Lookout trail.
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