Blue Lake — Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

The Golden Larches are at their prime! 🌲🍁🍂 When we first arrived in the parking lot at 10:30 AM, it was lightly snowing❄ but not sticking. It was like that for the first half of a mile, and then the sun 🌞 came out. Although it was still very cold. 🌬 I was up there 2 weeks ago and didn't think they would be so golden now since they were only a pale yellow 2 weeks ago! Most of the fall foliage is near complete for the first mile, but you get several views of the surrounding mountains, including liberty bell mountain that are covered with these beautiful golden larches and patches of brilliant red from the huckleberry bushes. About half mile before the lake, your surrounded on the trail by these golden larches. This is where my group ran into Andy Porter (outdoor photographer) on the trail. He was just coming down from the lake, taking pictures. As you reach the lake there is a rustling stream and then a narrow log (foot bridge, complements of WTA) to cross. There is a nice rocky area along the lake that makes for a great spot for lunch or snacks. The lake is surrounded by these golden larches and if the wind isn't blowing the lake has beautiful reflections. This trail was packed with lots of people hiking up to Blue Lake to see the larches. We passed several going up and down. Highly recommended before the larches are done and the pass closes for the season.