The 8 Best fall hikes in Washington state

With summer ending, you may think that your hiking is, too. However, many people don’t know that Washington has some of the most beautiful and best fall hikes in the country. From golden larches to crystal clear lakes, these trails will not disappoint.

Below, we’ve linked an interactive map that shows the fall foliage predictions for 2023. Take a look before considering which PNW fall hike you’ll do next!

Lake Ingalls

Located about two and a half hours from Seattle, this trail is 8.4 miles with an elevation gain of 2,939 feet. It’s considered relatively difficult, but the strenuous hike is worth the beautiful views. You will walk through forests, across mountain ridges and have opportunities to see mountain goats, marmots, and golden larches. The best time to visit this trail is June through October to avoid icy conditions. 

When heading back to Seattle, you’ll pass through Cle Elum. We recommend checking out one of the delicious local restaurants after spending the whole day hiking.

Maple Pass

Maple Pass is about three hours from Seattle, but the drive is worth it. You’ll travel on Highway 20 through the North Cascades, where you’ll have opportunities to pull off for amazing views. This trail actually starts from the Rainy Lake Trailhead, so make sure you head there.  A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead, but you can purchase one online or from REI.

The trail itself is 7.4 miles roundtrip and has an elevation gain of 2,191 feet, so it’s moderately difficult. Because this trail is a loop, hikers can go clockwise or counterclockwise. However, most choose to go counter-clockwise because it offers a more gradual ascent. From various spots on the trail, hikers can view the beautiful Lake Ann. Maple Pass was actually recently closed due to wildfires, but thanks to the rain, it has since reopened!

Blue Lake

If you’re looking for a shorter climb that can be done with the whole family, Blue Lake is a great choice. It’s located in the North Cascades about three hours from Seattle. Like Maple Pass, you’ll travel across Highway 20 which offers other recreational activities. This trail is 4.6 miles and has an elevation gain of 921 feet. This hike goes through a subalpine forest to an iridescent blue lake with crystal clear water. From the rocks along the lake’s bank, hikers can see cutthroat trout feeding during certain times of the year. If you enjoy fishing, this is a great place to go if you have the proper permits. This trail is also dog friendly. During the fall, the picturesque golden larches will be out.

The Enchantments/Colchuck Lake

The Enchantments are an alpine wonderland and one of the most well-known hikes in the state, and for good reason. You’ll wander through soft tundra meadows, glacial-cirque turquoise lakes, crystal clear trickling streams, and granite rock formations. It will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. However, this trail is known for its difficulty. It’s 20.5 miles long and has an elevation gain of 4,954 feet, making it by far the most strenuous hike on our list. This journey can be split up into multiple days, but an overnight permit is required which can be difficult to obtain. 

If you don’t want to walk 20 miles in one day or have to get a permit, Colchuck Lake is a great alternative. At 8 miles roundtrip and an elevation gain of 2,280 feet, this trail is difficult but doable. Colchuck Lake is a great fall hike because it offers opportunities to view the golden larches in full bloom and see unique wildlife. Both the Enchantments and Colchuck Lake start at the same trailhead which is about a 3-hour drive from Seattle. You’ll travel through the small Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth on your drive, and after your hike you can stop by for some drinks and dinner. There’s actually a restaurant called Colchuck’s in the town, named after the famous hike!

Esmeralda Basin

Located about two and a half hours from Seattle, Esmeralda Basin is one of our favorite trails for viewing the golden larches. It’s 8.7 miles long and has an elevation gain of 2,559 feet, making it relatively difficult. There are a few creek crossings on this trail, so make sure you bring waterproof footwear. This trail is not as heavily trafficked as some of our other recommendations, so if you’re looking for more solitude, this is a great choice. Another additional perk to this trail is that it's dog-friendly, as long as you have them on a leash.

Minotaur Lake

Minotaur Lake trail is short but extremely steep, with a distance of 3 miles and an elevation gain of 1,778 feet. Many say it’s more of a scramble than a hike. It’s slightly closer to the city than some of the other trails on our list, as it is only a 2-hour and 15-minute drive. This is a great trail for viewing the golden larches and is a popular spot for birding. If you’re a photographer, this is a great fall hike because it’s short enough to carry your equipment. 

It is important to note that due to the steep grade of this trail, hiking shoes with traction are a must so you don’t slip on loose gravel or rocks.

Carne Mountain

Carne Mountain is a beautiful hike most known for its display of golden larches during the fall months. However, it requires a bit of travel. The trailhead is 3 and a half hours away, so if you’re planning on doing this as a day hike, plan to be driving around 7 hours roundtrip. The trail is 7.7 miles long and has an elevation gain of 3,579 feet and takes the average hiker 6 hours to complete. To avoid an extremely long day, we recommend staying the night in the area.

Because the trail is known for its golden larches, most hikers choose this one during September and October. Depending on the year, you may encounter slush or snow, so be sure to check the trail conditions and reviews before you leave.

Clara and Marion Lakes

We saved the easiest hike on our list for last! At 2.9 miles long and an elevation gain of 961 feet, the Clara and Marion Lakes trail is the perfect fall hike for those of all experience levels. It typically takes only an hour or two to complete, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful views of the larches and birds before it gets dark. This trail is a bit far away, as it is a 3 hour drive from Seattle - however, the drive goes through Leavenworth and Wenatchee, both which offer exciting fall activities. Some of these include Oktoberfest, the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, local farms, and more. When hiking Clara and Marion Lakes, we recommend turning it into a weekend trip to avoid a long day of driving.

Ready to Explore the Best Fall Hikes in Washington?

Hit the road in a vintage or modern camper van! Our rental team is happy to provide further recommendations for a dreamy PNW hiking trip.

Interested in checking out other recommendations from Peace Vans? Check out our favorite PNW Lakes and Rivers!