Going on a fall larch hike might be my new favorite tradition. We've gone two years now, so I can call that a tradition, right? This year we took our first trip to the North Cascades National Park, and hit the Heather Pass - Maple Pass trail. The drive is long, so we had to get up at a time that shouldn't exist to make it to the trailhead at a reasonable hour. I think this is the price you must pay to be in the presence of the larch in all its golden fall glory.
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Mt Stewart hiding behind a veil of cloud
Last fall, inspired by all the stunning photos being shared by other hikers, I dragged my husband up to Lake Ingalls. This turned out to be my absolute favorite hike of 2014. Not only because of the sapphire blue lake, or the constant, breathtaking views of mountains freshly dusted with snow, but mostly because of the magical golden larches.
We got an early start and it was just below freezing most of the day, but we quickly warmed up and started enjoying the rocky views from the trail below Ingalls Pass.
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