While I love hiking at Mount Rainier National Park, I may love the North Cascades slightly more. Some of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done have been in this park. While this hike would be great in spring, summer or fall season, fall season may be the most popular. October 2018 I was finally able to experience the larches! I hope to make this hike a tradition every fall season because it’s so pretty. It snowed slightly the night before this year. At first, I was a little disappointed because the snow covered the fall colors slightly. However, looking at my pictures after the hike, it made for some great shots!

We did this hike counter clockwise and I would do it this way next time too. I would rate it a 4 out of 10 on a scale of difficulty. It was slightly muddy coming down on the other side, but nothing to worry about.

We also completed this hike during the week, so parking was no problem. I read during the weekend it can be packed with cars and hikers on the trail.

Round Trip:

7.2 miles

Elevation Gain:

2000 feet

Dog Friendly!

For driving directions, hiking reports and more, click here.