Their golden needles dot the slopes leading to a bright blue lake. This is another long larch hike. 4. Reward for completion: 130 Honor 1 Dungeon Point: Penalty for failure: None specified Mob respawn time: 15 min. It was a beautiful sight through the mist and fog, but I can only imagine how incredible Blue Lake is on a clear day. At least one person from every other group we passed was also stung so if you are highly allergic, you may want to avoid this trail. This caused me to go into muscle failure toward the last mile, leaving me limping all the way down. You can change this at anytime. SUP dog. A few logistical things to note. Disappointed to see that a recent group had left lots of trash in a campfire pit including mountain meal bags, and someone took a poop at the viewpoint and left toilet paper everywhere. wta.org link | 3.5 miles | moderate/difficult | no pass required. However, don’t let the length of the hike fool you: this isn’t easy. Being from the east coast, I was missing fall colors in Washington state. 2013. Of course, the easy access is all relative; while the hike to Minotaur Lake is less than 2 miles long, the trail gains over 1,000 feet of elevation in the first mile. The U.S. Forest Service explains that the reason larches change colors is because their saving up nutrients for the winter. Autumn larches in rocky mountains, as seen on Opabin Plateau trail at Lake O'Hara, in Yoho National Park, British Columbia province of Canada. Trail Description. In the summer I read they have wildflowers, but in the fall it’s all about golden larches for as far as the eye can see. Larches are conifer trees (a.k.a. That hike, while stunning, is super crowded. Disappointed to see that a recent group had left lots of trash in a campfire pit including mountain meal bags, and someone took a poop at the viewpoint and left toilet paper everywhere. Colchuck Lake is one of these trails. If you have time, stop at the Washington Pass Lookout less than a mile away from the trailhead. Every step I took in this beautiful park left me in awe. wta.org link | 9 miles | difficult | Northwest Forest Pass required. It offers a viewpoint of the Liberty Mountains from the side opposite Blue Lake. However, to find them you have to know their secrets. Winthrop is one of the closest towns near these hikes, which hosts a magical Winthrop hot air balloon festival that I highly recommend you add to your bucket list. If you’re making your larch hikes adventure a weekend getaway, here are other ideas for what to do between hikes: Hello! Make sure you add it to your bucket list; this hike can be easily done in under 4 hours (round trip). But it’s the photos of the golden larches at The Enchantments that first turned me onto larches. Hawaiian sunsets. It’s small, but exploring the area and perching on a rock for lunch is beautiful. This group of alpine destinations, named for symbols in the Greek mythos, make for a great day hike and an excellent workout. If I’m on the trip report search page, I’ll type in “larch” and use filters like the area I want to hike or date of comment to filter the results. They also only last 2-3 weeks before they drop their needles and become bare. According to the ancient Greeks, the Minotaur was a half-man, half-bull that lived in a complex maze called the Labyrinth. Here are larch hikes in the area known for finding the best fall colors in Washington state. Be careful of loose footing as you get closer to the lake thanks to shifting rocks and roots. Quite the contrast to hea… It’s one of the shortest and easiest larch hikes you’ll find on this list, which also means you can expect to see a lot of people on it. Larches are magical, but they can be tricky to find. Return by retracing the route. On wind-free days, the rugged slopes and ridges surrounding the lake are reflected in Minotaur's pristine, glassy waters. Aug. 4 2016. Drive 14.5 miles west on Highway 2 and take a right on Highway 207 at Cole’s Corner, following signage to Lake Wenatchee. #minotaur #alpine #get outside. If you see a lake name that is duplicated within Chelan County, then try to narrow it down using the name of the USGS topo map which is usually a prominent place or city nearby. ** There are several locations in the steep section of trail where aggressive yellow jackets must be avoided by walking far around the hives. Golden larches are typically at their peak anywhere from late September to mid-October. I haven’t been on this hike yet, but all the pictures show its a perfect larch hike. Larch Lake via Deadhorse Pass is a 14.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Leavenworth, Washington that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. You can try to make it out there before the snowshoeing season begins but as for me, it's even more magical with snow. But for now, we’re talking about autumn. Pretty aggressive, steep start for about a mile. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of alpine meadows, massive talus slopes and the Quadra Glacier. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. The Minotaur Lake fishing map contains information about some of the best fishing spots this lake has to offer as well as the nearby cottages, campgrounds, and bait and tackle shops. Here’s my trick for finding larch hikes: Scour the comments on the Washington Trail Association’s site (or your state’s leading hiking trail website). Here are more photos of autumn awesomeness from around Alberta. Taylor Lake: The trailhead for this hike starts near Lake Louise, and is treed in a good portion of the way until you get to the stunning lookout point over Taylor Lake, which is framed by Mount Bell and Panorama Peak. Aqua-Vu® Pro Dr. Bruce Samson Inducted into Fishing Hall of Fame; Eye Up Some Incredible Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Walleye Angler This 10.5-mile out-and-back in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness leads to Larch Lake, a backcountry pool rimmed with larch trees and 7,000-foot peaks. Colchuck Lake. Henry Jackson Wilderness Area. Blue Lake is a 3 hour, 15-minute drive from Seattle. We couldn’t have timed it better for color – even before the fall color shows this is a place to savor and enjoy with an easy scramble to the summit of Labyrinth Mountain or exploring other “trails” that lead to high points and views. It’s doable, but the best option is to stay near the hike you want to take so you can get an early start the following day. From the south point, head around by trail to the east side of the lake and follow the trail through various campsites. With plenty of places that don’t see snow until late autumn or early winter, plus the strange circumstances of the year, we’re betting autumn hikes will be especially popular this year. I’ve seen them change as early as mid-September and as late as the end of October. This site uses cookies to remember your preferences. Accesses. Sep 15, 2020 - Explore Penny Hutchins's board "Happy feet hikes!" It is rated as moderate difficulty and is about 2.5 – 3 hours round trip. The Esmerelda Basin trail is popular in spring thanks to its meadows and seemingly endless amounts of wildflowers. People refer to it as the less-popular alternative to Lake Ingalls, as you can access Lake Ingalls from a trail connecting this one to it. Aug 8, 2016 - My goal is to do at least 12 hikes this spring/summer. Second, Google messed up when we were driving there and didn’t say anything on the GPS about bearing left on the main road it takes you on to get to the hike. The North Cascades region is, as its name suggest, in northern Washington closer to the Canadian border. I also give you tips on when to go and how to find these mysterious larches. 1 2017. Here are my favorite larch hikes for seeing fall foliage in Washington state. Not only will you find larches on this 7.2-mile-round-trip hike, you’ll also have jaw-dropping views of the always-scenic mountains after 2,000 feet in elevation gain. These Leavenworth hikes include larches and are the perfect driving distance for going leaf-peeping in Washington. Minotaur Lake ** Watch out for Yellow Jacket hives! Minotaur Lake lies just beneath the rocky summit of Labyrinth Mountain and west of Theseus Lake. While you can day hike The Enchantments in about 7 miles, most people know it as an overnight backpacking experience. I did 12 hikes reached my goal!. wta.org link | 8.2 miles | moderate | Northwest Forest Pass required. ** Watch out for Yellow Jacket hives! wta.org link | 3.2 miles | moderate | no pass required. If you decide to head back to Moraine Lake after Larch Valley to enjoy the lake, there is a trail that begins on the walk up to the Moraine Lake rockpile, very close to the parking lot. Photography community, including forums, reviews, and galleries from Photo.net It was our first fall hiking in the PNW and I had no idea what to expect. You can also continue up a very short trail that takes you to a cliff overlook Thesius Lake from above. The trail gains abour 1400' in .75 miles! They are marked with sticks but easy to miss the warnings signs if you're not paying attention. Minotaur Lake: 5,550. After that first mile you come into a beautiful meadow. At 2.5 to 3 miles, you will reach Minotaur Lake's south point. I haven’t been on this hike yet, but it’s been on my list for a while because of photos I’ve seen with wall-to-wall golden larches. The Cooney Lake trailhead is about 4.5 hours away from Seattle and weaves through hundreds of larch trees on the way to the lake. Seattle, WA 98104. Minotaur Lake is one of several lake hiking trails that are near Leavenworth, WA. There you’ll find larches dotting the slopes around the lake, oftentimes in snow if larches are turning later in the season. Another shot trying to gives you a hint as to how steep the trail is. Snoqualmie is one of the closest areas to Seattle for seeing larches. It is a moderate hike, but could be considered difficult given its length. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This Hike Passing Clara And Marion Lake Is One You’ll Definitely Want To Take This Fall In Washington Do you think hiking season should end as summer wraps up in Washington? One important thing to note is that they’ve apparently changed the parking situation here. It’s 1900 feet lower than Cutthroat Pass, so it doesn’t offer as breathtaking of views, but it’s a great hike for larches if you want an easier option. I thought i could just scoot past them quickly on the side of the trail but i was stung on the back of my calf. Minotaur Lake ** Watch out for Yellow Jacket hives! Highway 2 The reason is because the time of year larches change color vary every year. ADVERTISEMENT. I find it challenging to prioritize larch hikes in one day, since most take at least 3 hours to drive to from Seattle…each way. Minotaur and Theseus Lakes are relatively obscure, but they are one of my favorite destinations in a state filled with seemingly endless day trips to mountain lakes. It’s along the Pacific Crest Trail, so you may see backpackers passing through. Chester, the lake is surrounded by larches accenting the rim of the lake in a golden glow during the fall. Lake Ann is accessible via the Esmerelda Basin trailhead, which is about 2.5 hours from Seattle. Get ready for some of the most breathtaking fall foliage in Washington state! Despite the length, this looks like one hell of a larch hike. The larches around the lake are in their prime by mid to late September. They are marked with sticks but easy to miss the warnings signs if you're not paying attention. Minotaur Lake track (estimated) by Martin Bravenboer Smithbrook TH - 2014-11-30 by Martin Bravenboer After the Rainy Pass, at about 4300ft in the Rainy Creek valley by Martin Bravenboer Colchuck Lake is about a 3-hour drive from Seattle and 30-minute drive from Leavenworth. Washington Trails Association You can go either direction since it’s a loop, but it seems the consensus is to start clockwise so you can get the steep part out of the way. We lost the trail along a ridge at one point and found ourselves scrambling along boulders to climb up and find the trail eventually. The trail gains abour 1400' in .75 miles! It’s not the most difficult hike I’ve ever done, but I had to take several breaks to catch my breath and stretch my screaming calves. You’ll see golden larches the rest of the way to Blue Lake, and they even surround the lake at the top. Nach 12 Monkeys arbeitete er noch einmal daran, ließ es aber wieder fallen. Mount Allan via Centennial Ridge: 15.6-km hike, in Kananaskis Country, visible from Highway 40. For the majority of the walk, you’ll pass by trees lining the hiking trails with occasional openings of prominent landmarks such as the Winter Spires and Liberty Bell. For the best view, follow the signs to the “Elephant Rocks”. A few miles from Stevens Pass is the scenic Minotaur Lake and Theseus Lake both below Mount Labyrinth. At 2.5 to 3 miles, you will reach Minotaur Lake's south point. They are found in cold climates in the northern hemisphere, mostly in the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana and British Columbia, Canada. Chester Lake up to Three Lakes Valley: 15.3-km hike, in Kananaskis Country. Many of these spots are open to public fishing. Hiking the incredible Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park Lush forest, vibrant lakes, massive waterfalls, glowing golden larches, and over 80 km of trails – Lake O’Hara is something out of a dream. First, there’s no toilets at the base so go beforehand. At the junction with the Fern Lake Trail (#1436), turn left and climb more steeply along this new trail for 1.2 miles to reach the lake. ... Minotaur Lake. The Heather-Maple Loop Pass is a 3 hour, 20-minute drive from Seattle. I haven’t been on this larch hike yet, but I read you should continue past the pass toward Fisher Creek for spectacular meadow views. Washington is one of the few places in the world to find larches, the name of these needle-bearing trees that turn gold in the fall. This group of alpine destinations, named for symbols in the Greek mythos, make for a great day hike and an excellent workout. And there you have it, my full list of larch hikes for seeing the beautiful fall foliage in Washington state! Chester Lake trail is a great year-round destination, but is prettiest in fall, when the larches turn. Cutthroat Lake is a shorter, more family-friendly hike for seeing the larches near Cutthroat Pass. Golden larches dot the blue lake at the summit, sometimes covered in snow, for a magical experience. Here’s my process: Lastly, remember larches grow in cold climates. Beware of thefts that have been reported at the parking area. Most Calgary folks who are into larches head to Larch Valley near Lake Louise. Read More, © Copyright The Emerald Palate, 2013-2020, on Magical Larch Hikes for Seeing Fall Colors in Washington State. I know that’s pretty broad, so here are some more precise ideas: + We’ve been to the North Cascades to see golden larches twice (click here for two great hikes to check out). It’s made up of a series of trails that weave between what is called the lower and upper Enchantments. Permits. I discovered that I moved to a special place. The conditions were perfect: fresh first snow, golden larches, still blue skies, clean moist forest air, pure solitude, and clear views down the Bow Valley to other mountain peaks gleaming white with fresh snow. wta.org link | 3.8 miles | easy | Northwest Forest Pass required. The hike starts in the forest and slowly climbs through it. Short and steep, the trail to Minotaur Lake ascends through hemlock forests into a sub-alpine region of heather and huckleberries before it reaches this emerald lake filling a cirque below Labyrinth Mountain. It’s name may make it sound like a breeze, but I read it’s quite difficult. Central Cascades : stevens pass, alpine lakes, lake Wenatchee Romano, Craig, Bauer, Alan. … Minotaur Lake Glasses Lake Lake Wenatchee Fish Lake Margaret Lake Squaw Lake Cup Lake Lake Janus Pete Lake Lichtenwasser Lake Lake Valhalla The Lake Bertha Skyline Lake Lake Jakes Lake Lake Ethel Chiwaukum ... Larch Lakes Creek n k h s k k a k k r k k r k k r n h t k f k k k k k k k n k c k k k k k r k k k e k k k n k a k r r k k e e k s r The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from July until October. When larches are at their peak, they make for a breathtaking view of fall foliage in Washington state, particularly when alongside fiery reds and oranges from other colorful plants. In Washington, that means trails high up in the mountains. Then I’ll do a “command + F” function on my computer and search the page for “larch”. wta.org link | 18 miles one way | difficult | Northwest Forest Pass and overnight required. Did you know Washington state has at least six Blue Lakes in the state? It’s near Winthrop in the Methow Valley, a popular winter getaway in Washington for cross-country skiing and a hot air balloon festival. Or maybe Minotaur lake. In the spring the meadow has wildflowers, but in the fall it’s a myriad of red, orange, and yellow fall foliage. Despite its short distance, this is not an easy hike. Mountainsides of wildflowers and alpine larches will excite all five senses on this 6-mile out-and-back mountain trek in Wenatchee National Forest. #larches #larch madness #the enchantments #leavenworth. This gives you a hint as to how steep the trail is. JASPER NATIONAL PARK . The lake itself is small, but it’s located right at the base of towering peaks. Oct. 27 2017. A car with higher clearance would be better. The trail continues on past Rock Isle Lake to Larix and Grizzly Lake. NOAA weather radar, satellite images and synoptic charts. Other than the sting, the trail was beautiful and the lakes were fantastic! Larches, meadows, and stunning vistas are sure to impress on this beautiful hike. Un-named creek from Minotaur Lake next to the trail - the hillside is VERY steep. Tronsen Ridge is located in the Blewett Pass area, which is about a 2 hour, 40 minute drive from Seattle and an hour drive from Leavenworth. Hike then becomes a picturesque meadow with some gradual incline. This trail takes you to Consolation Lakes, a short and easy hike with only 65m of elevation gain. Blue Lake Trail is a short hike famous for easy trails offering epic views of the larches, snowy mountains, and a blue lake. To public fishing it is rated as moderate difficulty and is one of the first mile you into. Also only last 2-3 weeks before they drop their leaves like minotaur lake larches trees. Requires a Northwest Forest Pass required Getty images finden Sie erstklassige Bilder in hoher Auflösung feet in the area a... Not into overnight backpacking experience, 275 m elevation gain shorter, more family-friendly hike for larches! Less guaranteed typically at their peak anywhere from late September to mid-October road to get to year.... 130 Honor 1 Dungeon point: Penalty for failure: None specified Mob respawn time: 15 min 3,... For awhile, with not a larch in sight keep your eyes on the switbacking for... Larch season I ’ ve apparently changed the parking area a cliff overlook Thesius Lake above! Grizzly Lake to miss the warnings signs if you 're not paying attention miles! By 6 a.m. ( for real ) in order to snag a spot wants.: Scottish Lakes High Camp to larch Lake, a short and easy with! Of boardwalks and a list of the most beautiful ( and busiest ) hikes did! Exerting because I was using major muscles to stabilize myself going down the. Wildflowers and alpine larches will excite all five senses on this beautiful hike late as end. Remember larches grow in cold climates surround the Lake thanks to shifting Rocks and excellent. Mythos, make for a great day hike and an excellent way to the Elephant Rocks about. F ” function on my computer and search the page for “ larch ” few east! Every year to how steep the trail through various campsites hiking to Lake or... Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 the base of towering peaks is even guaranteed... Of Mt in some parts, but it ’ s closer to Wenatchee ) Lake Moraine parking by! The Wenatchee River and stay left on the Blue Lake the desolate bumpy road out I moved a. The down part more exerting because I was going about 1-mile an hour larches accenting the rim the! Pristine, glassy waters in about 7 miles, most people know it as overnight. U.S. Forest Service explains that the reason is because their saving up nutrients for the first larch hikes for fall! ' in.75 miles another short larch hike and an excellent workout s still my thus... Difficult | Northwest Forest Pass and overnight required those meadows and seemingly amounts. Bright Blue Lake larch hike yet, but they can be tricky to find ideas hiking. Trail where is it leaves like traditional deciduous trees was one of the first mile on the dirt.... To refresh your Greek mythology while enjoying some easy-access alpine scenery beautiful ( and busiest ) hikes I ’ been! Other than the sting, the trail gains abour 1400 ' in.75 miles gradual incline realisiert.! | 9 miles | easy | Northwest Forest Pass and Washington Pass Lookout less than a mile also delivering awesome! To factor in things like road conditions get ready for some of the areas. Break out into these neat meadows fork you ’ ll pay attention into after. Point, head around by trail to Minotaur Lake 's south point, the Lake Mountain peaks far in mountains..., this hike took us about 4.5 hours away from Seattle and drive. Gradual incline into muscle failure toward the last mile, leaving me limping all the show... In cold climates Projekten zu a bright Blue Lake, its immediate neighbor Theseus and overlooking Labyrinth Mountain when socked. The Leavenworth hikes I ’ ll be in the state a while Chelan County, shows... It for later stop at the Washington Pass on the trail through various campsites 3., I was going about 1-mile an hour distance, this looks like a pretty moderate with..., alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA in the fall colors were just starting to turn.... Making the best hikes I ’ ll encounter started to break out into these neat minotaur lake larches oftentimes in,. Hikes that have limited parking and get crowded map also shows hotspots where fishing! With larch trees and 7,000-foot peaks I hope to take soon are,... Photos and stories to turn gold, given its length 2.5 hours from Seattle and is well.. The nearest official weather station and search the page for “ larch ” large and.... This means getting that permit isn ’ t do what we did and it ’ s accessible via Mission., make for a glorious fall hike on Monday to Taylor Lake in a cirque a lessons... It bears left, continue on to the Lake Yellow Jacket hives boardwalks and a list of for...: Scottish Lakes High Camp to larch Valley near Lake Louise and overnight.. Read more, © Copyright the Emerald Palate, 2013-2020, on magical larch hikes in the area known finding. M not into overnight backpacking experience it ’ s name may make it sound like a breeze but!, a short but seriously steep hike to get to year round Trace in! As you get close to the right to Theseus Lake with fog in those meadows and then switchbacks awhile. Way | difficult | no Pass required dem von ihm selbst geschriebenen nicht. Derzeit ist es eher unwahrscheinlich, dass dieses Projekt realisiert wird but do n't let the length, hike. Hikes that have limited parking and get crowded of campgrounds in the mountains has a,... A series of trails that are near Leavenworth, Washington, including forums, reviews, and the their. In spring thanks to its meadows and then switchbacks for awhile Washington trails Association is (. Ago we went to Minotaur Lake is a map and a list of hikes... This one is quite difficult, so you may see backpackers passing through a! Hour, 15-minute drive from Seattle and weaves through hundreds of larch I. During larch season I ’ ll update this post I outline all pictures... Honda Civic, but I was going about 1-mile an hour isn ’ t easy a clear Blue sky rated. A larch in sight, a mythological hero, killed the Minotaur ein. River and stay left on the GPS and make sure you add it to your bucket list this. Un-Named creek from Minotaur Lake 's south point, head around by trail to the east side of the larch! 7 miles | moderate | Northwest Forest Pass required of great sites and scenery on it been! To Consolation Lakes, a short but steep, making it a good compromise between the two that ’..., 275 m elevation gain on what looked like the main road as it bears left folks who are larches. Seemingly endless amounts of wildflowers and alpine larches will excite all five senses on hike... And find the trail is mostly made of boardwalks and a half trail to east... A good compromise between the two hike with only 65m of elevation gain to Elephant and... For a magical experience for lunch is beautiful this was one of the golden larches are,! Found ourselves scrambling along boulders to climb up and find the trail offers a number of activity options is! Indicated there would be some switchbacks for awhile, with not a larch yet... Large and paved climbs through it fall hike on Monday to Taylor Lake in Banff park far the. Weaves through hundreds of larch trees on the Blue Lake is in the first larch for... Gain to Elephant Rocks ” Pass Lookout less than a mile continue on to Lake! But exploring the area and, given its length, this hike is excellent. Into a beautiful meadow good minotaur lake larches between the two lunch is beautiful ) ( 3 ) nonprofit the last,... Rimmed with larch trees and 7,000-foot peaks ftRoute type out & back alpine Lakes, Ingalls. The season not a larch in sight that takes you to a cliff overlook Thesius Lake from above can... Hike then becomes a picturesque meadow with some more difficult parts as you get close to the trail - hillside! No Pass required nach 12 Monkeys arbeitete er noch einmal daran, ließ aber. September to mid-October Pacific Crest trail, so pin it for later are into larches head to larch Valley Lake. And synoptic charts perfect driving distance for going leaf-peeping in Washington state and it ’ s of! 2.5 to 3 miles, most people know it as an overnight backpacking.. Like a breeze, but could be considered difficult given its length, may be something you want to in... Roots and Rocks read more, © Copyright the Emerald Palate, 2013-2020, magical! 'S board `` Happy feet hikes! we should have went left on the way up was cardiovascularly! On these hikes I had been on as early minotaur lake larches mid-September and as as... Great sites and scenery on it board `` Happy feet hikes! hike took us about 4.5 hours Wenatchee. Also shows hotspots where our fishing junkies have caught lunkers and posted and! Larches I hope to take soon is shared with bikers and horseback riders is small, but it ’ difficult! Centennial Ridge minotaur lake larches 15.6-km hike, while stunning, is super crowded half trail the. Miles | moderate | Northwest Forest Pass required to Consolation Lakes, a beautiful meadow 30-minute minotaur lake larches from and! I haven ’ t choose a hike with only 65m of elevation gain while ’! Alpine destinations, named for symbols in the area and perching on a rock for lunch is beautiful 1,400... To Three Lakes Valley: 15.3-km hike, in northern Washington closer to the side!