NPN has moved to naturephotographers.networkYou’re viewing the read-only archive of the original site (2000–2018). The community is active today, with new critiques and discussions every day.
Essentially any of the hikes departing from or beyond rainy pass on highway 20 will put you into premier-larch-viewing position.
Maple pass is elite in terms of the panorama that one acquires in tandem with the density of larches; this is my hands-down-larch-hike favorite. It's a good three miles upward to get to the optimal views; however, experience tells me that once you're there your burning thighs won't mind so much.
Blue lake is an easier hike and a serene location, but the more gentle gain also entails lesser in the views category. It's a brief two miles from the washington pass area.
Posted by Kevin Pieper on September 7, 2007 at 11:56 PM
Thanks Trevor, i'll have to check it out.
Posted by David Svilar on September 9, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Larches have been on my mind as well since I'm unemployed...
1. East of Black Pk: park at Rainy Pass trailhead and take an unmaintaned trail toward beautiful Lewis and Wing Lakes. This is very near Maple Pass area Trevor was referring to.
2. Golden Lakes: in Methow Valley near Twisp. Never actually been there myself, but looks like a lot of potential.
3. Enchantment Lakes: Everybody's favorite larch place, although not technically the N Cascades.
Posted by Kevin Pieper on September 9, 2007 at 7:10 PM
Thanks David, I hadn't thought about the Enchantment Lakes. If anyone is interested in larch hunting with me this fall, shoot me an email.
Discussion
4 repliesMaple pass is elite in terms of the panorama that one acquires in tandem with the density of larches; this is my hands-down-larch-hike favorite. It's a good three miles upward to get to the optimal views; however, experience tells me that once you're there your burning thighs won't mind so much.
Blue lake is an easier hike and a serene location, but the more gentle gain also entails lesser in the views category. It's a brief two miles from the washington pass area.
1. East of Black Pk: park at Rainy Pass trailhead and take an unmaintaned trail toward beautiful Lewis and Wing Lakes. This is very near Maple Pass area Trevor was referring to.
2. Golden Lakes: in Methow Valley near Twisp. Never actually been there myself, but looks like a lot of potential.
3. Enchantment Lakes: Everybody's favorite larch place, although not technically the N Cascades.