6 of the BEST Fall Hikes in Washington!
5 Best Fall Hikes in Washington for Stunning Autumn Colors
What’s up, Wanderers! Fall has arrived in Washington, bringing cooler temperatures, vibrant colors, and incredible hiking trails. Whether you’re looking for an easy trek or an epic adventure, Washington has some of the best fall hikes in the Pacific Northwest, offering a kaleidoscope of colors from golden larches to fiery red maples.
Grab your hiking boots , get ready to explore, and let’s dive into 5 of the most breathtaking fall hikes you can’t miss!
1. Blue Lake Trail
Blue Lake beauty
*Location: North Cascades | Distance: 4.6 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: Moderate*
Blue Lake Trail is ideal if you’re seeking an accessible yet stunning fall hike. This 4.6-mile journey leads you through a dense forest that opens to incredible mountain views, culminating at the crystal-clear Blue Lake. Encircled by golden larches, the lake becomes a mesmerizing backdrop, capturing autumn in full display.
**Pro Tip:** Arrive early to avoid the crowds. And if you’re visiting for the larches, aim for late September to mid-October. The temperatures can be brisk, so bring a warm layer like this Patagonia hoodie to stay cozy!
2. Cutthroat Pass
On Trail
*Location: North Cascades | Distance: 10 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet*
For the ambitious among us: Cutthroat Pass is a serious hike, but remember—it’s called 'Cutthroat' for the views, not the difficulty! (Though your thighs might disagree by the end.)
Cutthroat Pass is a spectacular 10-mile trail where you’ll trek through alpine meadows and rocky ridges surrounded by golden larches. With sweeping views of the North Cascades at higher elevations, this hike is well worth the climb.
**Pack Essential Layers:** The higher you go, the colder it gets! I always wear a good base layer in the colder seasons to keep warm.
At the summit!
3. Green Mountain Trail
Hillside covered in Fall
*Location: Glacier Peak Wilderness | Distance: 7.9 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet*
If you’re looking for hidden gems, the Green Mountain Trail is one of my all-time favorites. This challenging 7.9-mile trail rewards you with panoramic views from a historic fire lookout at the summit, where fall foliage meets the rugged peaks of the Glacier Peak Wilderness.
The reward at the top is worth every step. Besides, you can finally answer that age-old question: How many ‘I’m never hiking again’ thoughts fit in 3,000 feet of elevation?
**Must-Have Gear for Tough Climbs:** I recommend using carbon fiber hiking poles for stability, especially on this trail’s steeper sections.
Views at the fire lookout
4. Sauk Mountain Trail
Summit views!
*Location: Skagit Valley | Distance: 3.7 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet*
Short yet rewarding, the Sauk Mountain Trail packs a scenic punch. The road leading to the trail is dotted with brilliant fall colors that set the stage for a hike filled with winding switchbacks. Just keep an eye out for bear friends foraging on the last of the huckleberries. Every twist of the trail offers views of the Skagit Valley and Sauk Lake below, creating the ultimate fall hiking experience in a short hike.
**Trail Tip:** You wouldn’t (or maybe you would) believe how much of a difference socks can make on a hike. They can make or break the difference to blisters and warmth. Smart Wool are my all time favorites that I highly recommended.
My bear friend
5. Skyline Loop Trail
On trail and feeling happy!
*Location: Mount Rainier National Park | Distance: 5.6 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet*
No list of Washington’s fall hikes would be complete without the Skyline Loop Trail at Mount Rainier National Park. This loop takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Paradise area of Rainier, with a backdrop of the iconic mountain framed by lush fall foliage.
This trail is crowded for a reason—it's like the Beyoncé of Washington hikes.
**Adventure Essentials:** You’ll want to keep your phone charged for all the photo ops, so pack a Portable power bank to capture every golden larch and fiery maple without hitting 1%!
6. Coldwater Peak
Location: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument | Distance: 11 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
If you’re looking to take in views of both mountains and lakes, Coldwater Peak near Mount St. Helens is an unforgettable fall hike. This 11-mile trail is packed with vibrant autumn colors, and on clear days, you’ll catch stunning views of Coldwater Lake against the backdrop of Mount St. Helens. Plus, keep an eye out—you might even encounter a mountain goat or two (I did!), adding a bit of unexpected excitement to the day.
Named him Burt
Washington’s fall hiking season is short but spectacular, and these five hikes should be at the top of your list if you’re chasing fall colors. From larch-filled lakes to breathtaking summits, there’s something here for every level of adventurer. So grab your backpack , lace up your hiking boots, and make the most of autumn in Washington. Happy hiking, and may your trails be as colorful as the season!
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