Fall is such an underrated time of year in the Pacific Northwest. Peak tourist season has come and gone, the summer heat dissipates, and the region’s color palette transforms into stunning sunset-esque hues. The friendlier temps and lack of bugs also make it a wonderful time to hike the numerous mountains that surround Seattle.
So, allow me to present a few favorite trails to consider for autumnal adventures near the Emerald City. All are full of changing trees, larches, or misty mountain tops, and I’ll even throw in a few insider tips!
Heather Lake
One of the many beautiful spots nestled along the Mountain Loop Highway (a little over an hour from Seattle), this lake is alpine eye candy. The 5-mile (round-trip) trail has 1, 034 feet of elevation gain, making the effort a good workout, without being too strenuous. Along the way, you’ll hike through a well-shaded, old-growth forest abundant in fungi, moss, and wildlife. Heather Lake awaits you and provides a picturesque mountain-top setting that is even more magical with fall colors.
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
TNW Insider Tip:
The trailhead is located on the Mount Pilchuck Access Road, a bumpy, unpaved forest road off the Mountain Loop Highway. It isn’t a long drive, but low clearance vehicles might experience a bit of discomfort; large potholes are common. Additionally, Heather Lake can become busy during the weekend. For the most serene experience, visit on a weekday or get to the parking lot before 8 am on Saturdays and Sundays.
Wallace Falls
Just outside of Gold Bar (about an hour and a half from Seattle), a tranquil grassy path and temperate Northwest rainforest feel a world away from the city at Wallace Falls State Park. The 5.6-mile, 1, 300-elevation gain trek to the various waterfalls is most impressive outside of July and August, as the dry months reduce cascades to a trickle.
If you aren’t keen on elevation or have kids with you, there is minimal elevation gain to the Lower Falls, which are still a delightful sight. The majority of the climb is located between the Middle and Upper Falls.
Parking Pass: Discover Pass
TNW Insider Tip: The Sultan Bakery (the town before Gold Bar when driving east on Highway 2) makes a delicious post-hike refueling stop. My Grandpa used to rave about their cinnamon rolls to anyone who would listen.
Lake 22
Lake 22 is another local favorite, located just past the turn-off for Mount Pilchuck and Heather Lake on the Mountain Loop Highway. The route is 5.4 miles round-trip with 1, 350 feet of elevation gain. You’ll definitely want to don sturdy boots as a large part of the path is notoriously full of jagged rocks and tree roots. But don’t focus on the ground the entire time, or you’ll miss the varied temperate rainforest, expansive Evergreen coverage, and panoramas of surrounding peaks.
At the top, the lake is surrounded by Mount Pilchuck on one side and most of the year, a large snowfield on the other.
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
TNW Tip: Due to damage during a 2023 atmospheric river, the Lake 22 trail is closed for repairs during the week until October 31st, 2025. Thus, for this fall, it’s a weekend-only hike — arrive well before 8 am to beat crowds.
Barclay Lake
Highway 2 to Stevens Pass is an adventure lover’s playground, no matter the season. Fall, though, has a special feel to it. The color turnover paints the Cascade Mountains in blazing shades along many well-loved hiking paths. Barclay Lake is a great beginner-friendly trek at 4.4 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain.
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
TNW Tip: The Barclay Lake trailhead is located en route to Leavenworth — Washington’s very own Bavarian wonderland. The town hosts the best Oktoberfest in the region, so if beer is your post-hike drink of choice, consider planning a trip to the trail during the festival.
Twin Falls
The I-90 corridor is a gold mine of fantastic day hikes for Seattleites and visitors. Twin Falls is perfect for beginner hikers, families with kiddos, or anyone in search of a scenic trail that doesn’t require a massive mountain summit.
The 2.4-mile, (round-trip) 500-foot elevation gain hike terminates at the falls, which are surrounded by brilliant changing leaves during September and October.
TNW Tip: North Bend — aka Twin Peaks country is nearby and offers visitors numerous cafes and restaurants. My favorite post-hike coffee and lunch spots are South Fork and North Bend Bar and Grill.
Skyline Loop Trail
Larch-spotting is the Pacific Northwest’s version of New England leaf-peeping. However, the region’s seasonal color spotting usually requires a hike. The well-trodden Skyline Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park is the ideal place to do so. The 5.5-mile loop trek requires 1, 450 feet of elevation gain from which you can admire waterfalls, glaciers, and varying shades of golden larches.
Parking Pass: National Park Pass
TNW Insider Tip: The Skyline Loop Trail is located in the Paradise area of the park, which does not have timed entry in 2025. However, there is extensive construction along the road, so be prepared for delays nevertheless. If entering from the Sunrise Corridor, you’ll need a reservation.
Blue Lake
Deep in North Cascades National Park, Blue Lake is closer to the east side (near Twisp and Winthrop) than the west side, but it’s worth the 3-hour and change drive from Seattle. A not insignificant trail, at 4.4 miles and 1, 050 feet of elevation gain, it’s a good intermediate hike for those looking for a reasonable challenge. In the fall, the aptly named lake is surrounded by forests, dotted with bright yellow larches.
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
TNW Insider Tip: The Washington Pass Overlook, which provides the best vistas of gatorade-colored Ross Lake, is a must-visit viewpoint. Luckily, it’s only a 5-minute drive from the Blue Lake trailhead.