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.