What to Know About ‘Larch Madness’ in Washington

Washington is called the Evergreen State for a reason. Spanning some 22 million acres, the state’s eternally emerald forests are one of its most iconic features. But come fall, when leaf-peeping mania sweeps the nation, some of that “evergreen” shade takes on a different hue—enter “Larch Madness.”

Larch trees, a type of deciduous conifer, are typically found east of the Cascade Crest throughout Washington’s Cascade Mountains, as well as the broader Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies. Unlike other conifers, though, larches lose their needle-like leaves each fall. But first, they turn gold, blanketing the mountainsides of their high-altitude homes in a gilded hue. The spectacular vistas and short viewing window create the same foliage-spotting frenzy as the rest of the U.S., drawing huge crowds for Larch Madness season.

“I grew up in Pennsylvania, so I’m very familiar with leaf peeping in the fall. Washington’s version is different, but no less beautiful,” says David Cass, an agency forester for Washington State Parks. “It’s pretty stark when it happens. The trees turn uniformly golden yellow, changing to bronze over a few-week period, and then [they] drop all their needles very quickly.”

While there are many places throughout the state to go on hikes, aka “Larch Marches,” to see the changing colors, one of the best places to see the color change is the Enchantments.

A region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area near the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth in the central Cascades, the Enchantments truly live up to their name. More than 700 alpine lakes nestle in the shadows of towering peaks and glacier-gouged passes, with stoic forests scattered across the rocky slopes and free-roaming herds of mountain goats. An 18-mile traverse winds its way past evocatively-landed landmarks like Aasgard Pass and Inspiration Lake; evidence of past explorers’ efforts to try and do justice to the majesty. In autumn, this dreamy trek among the clouds is made even more breathtaking by the changing larches, with amber rivers blazing between ice-blue sky and lagoons.

Unsurprisingly, however, the area is one of Washington’s most coveted hikes, and it requires permits for both day use and overnight camping. Since the Enchantments always draw a crowd, Cass has plenty of alternatives.

“… Remember that larch is widespread and common, so you don’t have to go where the crowds do,” Cass says. “The Cascades get a lot of attention, but some of the best larch viewing is in the far east side of the state in the Selkirks and Blue Mountains.”

He recommends checking out state parks like Mount Spokane and Fields Spring, where larches are especially prolific, as well as spots like Lake Wenatchee and Alta Lake. If you’re not in the mood for a hike, try a picturesque drive instead.

“Driving over Blewett Pass in the fall is a fantastic way to see the fall color change,” he says. “Another favorite drive of mine is in northeast Washington heading up toward Metaline Falls on the Selkirk Loop highway.”

The North Cascades also offer larch-looking in Cutthroat Pass and Heather-Maple Pass—but remember, timing is key. Late September through the end of October is typically the best time to see the color change. But wherever you choose to chase Larch Madness, it’s truly one of Washington’s most spectacular seasons for outdoor lovers.

“Fall is my favorite season, and Larch Madness is a catchy way to get people outside, says Cass. “But it’s not as though we needed another reason to [love] Washington’s beautiful natural scenery.”