Larch Hikes Guide
The easiest larch hike near Leavenworth is Icicle Gorge, a gentle 3.5 mile loop rated easy that takes about 2 hours, far shorter than Eight Mile Lake, Colchuck Lake, or Stuart Lake. Larch season in the Leavenworth area typically peaks in the first two weeks of October, though the exact window shifts by up to two weeks depending on elevation and weather. This guide compares seven of our trail pages by distance, difficulty, dogs, and permit requirements, and walks through how to get the permit each hike needs.
When does larch season hit Leavenworth
Western larches are the only conifer in our forests that drop their needles, and they put on a show each fall by turning gold before they fall. Color typically peaks in the first two weeks of October, with many years centering on the Columbus Day weekend, but the window narrows to about 7 to 10 days at any single elevation. Higher trails like Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake tend to turn first, while lower elevation trails hold their color a little longer. Because the larch season only lasts two to three weeks total, check current trail reports before you drive out and be ready to shift your plans by a few days in either direction.
Larch hikes at a glance
All seven hikes below reach larch groves within a couple hours of Leavenworth. Each links out to its full trail page for directions, trailhead details, and current conditions.
| Trail | Difficulty | Round trip | Time | Dogs | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icicle Gorge | Easy | 3.5 miles | 2 hours | Allowed on leash | Northwest Forest Pass |
| Eight Mile Lake | Easy | 7 miles | 4 hours | Not allowed | Northwest Forest Pass plus self issued wilderness permit |
| Merritt Lake | Moderate | 6 miles | 4 hours | Allowed on leash | Northwest Forest Pass |
| Colchuck Lake | Difficult | 9 miles | 8 hours | Not allowed | Northwest Forest Pass plus self issued wilderness permit |
| Stuart Lake | Difficult | 9 miles | 6 hours | Not allowed | Northwest Forest Pass plus self issued wilderness permit |
| Icicle Ridge | Difficult | 4 miles | 3 hours | Allowed on leash | Northwest Forest Pass |
| Ingalls Creek | Moderate | 11 miles | 5 to 6 hours | Allowed on leash | Northwest Forest Pass plus self issued wilderness permit |
The easiest option: Icicle Gorge
Icicle Gorge is a gentle 3.5 mile loop that takes most hikers about 2 hours, tracing both banks of Icicle Creek along Icicle Road past the Chatter Creek Guard Station. It stays close to the water with minimal elevation gain and crosses a bridge over the creek at its midpoint, and it only requires a Northwest Forest Pass at the trailhead fee tube. Dogs are allowed on leash. See the full Icicle Gorge trail page for directions and current conditions.
A gentle alpine lake option: Eight Mile Lake
Eight Mile Lake is rated easy and covers 7 miles round trip in about 4 hours, reaching golden larch groves at a gentler grade than Colchuck Lake or Stuart Lake. The trail passes Little Eightmile Lake, a small pond at about 2.5 miles, before reaching a junction where a right fork continues on toward Lake Caroline. It sits inside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, so dogs are not allowed and hikers need to fill out a free self issued wilderness permit at the trailhead in addition to a Northwest Forest Pass. See the full Eight Mile Lake trail page for directions and current conditions.
The classic alpine lakes: Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake
Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake share the same trailhead and the first 2.5 miles before splitting at a junction. Colchuck Lake, the left fork, is a difficult 9 mile round trip that takes most hikers about 8 hours and ends at an impossibly blue alpine lake below Dragontail Peak, one of the most photographed larch views in the area. Stuart Lake, the right fork, is the same 9 mile distance but typically takes closer to 6 hours and sees fewer crowds. Both trails sit inside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, so dogs are not allowed and both require the same free self issued wilderness permit plus a Northwest Forest Pass.
A moderate option outside the wilderness boundary: Merritt Lake
Merritt Lake, near Coles Corner along Highway 2 toward Stevens Pass, is a moderate 6 mile round trip that takes about 4 hours. Because it falls outside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the Enchantment Permit Area, dogs are allowed on leash and hikers only need a Northwest Forest Pass, with no wilderness self issue permit required. See the full Merritt Lake trail page for directions and current conditions.
A short hike with valley views: Icicle Ridge
Icicle Ridge starts close to town and climbs steadily for its full 4 mile round trip, which takes most hikers about 3 hours. Even a half mile up the trail opens into a splendid overview into the Leavenworth Valley, and continuing further into larch country adds mileage but keeps rewarding with views. Dogs are allowed on leash, and it only requires a Northwest Forest Pass. See the full Icicle Ridge trail page for directions and current conditions.
A longer valley option: Ingalls Creek
Ingalls Creek Trail #1215 follows a quiet valley along the sunny south side of the Stuart Range, staying close to its namesake creek the whole way. The full trail runs 15.5 miles one way to Stuart Pass, but a popular round trip destination is the gravel bar where Falls Creek joins in, about 5.5 miles up, making for an 11 mile round trip that takes most hikers 5 to 6 hours. Hikers continuing higher toward Stuart Pass reach alpine terrain near the Enchantments where larches turn gold, making this a quieter, less crowded option during larch season. Dogs are allowed on leash, and it requires both a Northwest Forest Pass and a free self issued wilderness permit at the trailhead. See the full Ingalls Creek trail page for directions and current conditions.
How to get your permit
Most of the permit process is quick and free, but a couple of these hikes need more than just a parking pass.
- Buy or bring a Northwest Forest Pass and display it on your dashboard at the trailhead. All seven hikes require one.
- For Eight Mile Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and Ingalls Creek, fill out a free self issued day use wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk. No advance reservation is needed for a day hike.
- If you plan to camp overnight in the Enchantment Permit Area core zone between May 15 and October 31, apply for the advance overnight lottery permit before your trip. Day hikers do not need this.
- Merritt Lake, Icicle Ridge, and Icicle Gorge only require a Northwest Forest Pass, with no separate wilderness self issue permit needed.
- Check current trailhead and road conditions before you drive out, since access and permit rules can change season to season.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest larch hike near Leavenworth?
Icicle Gorge is the easiest of the seven, a gentle 3.5 mile loop rated easy that takes about 2 hours along Icicle Creek with minimal elevation gain.
When is the best time to see larches turn gold?
Color typically peaks in the first two weeks of October, though the exact window shifts by up to two weeks depending on elevation and weather, so check current trail reports before you go.
Do I need a permit for these hikes?
Yes. All seven require a Northwest Forest Pass, and Eight Mile Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and Ingalls Creek also require a free self issued day use wilderness permit at the trailhead.
Can I bring my dog?
Not on Eight Mile Lake, Colchuck Lake, or Stuart Lake, since all three sit inside the core Enchantment Permit Area. Dogs on leash are allowed at Merritt Lake, Icicle Ridge, Icicle Gorge, and Ingalls Creek.
Which hike has the best view of Leavenworth itself?
Icicle Ridge, since it starts close to town and opens into a view over the Leavenworth Valley within the first half mile.
Are Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake the same trail?
They share the same trailhead and first 2.5 miles before splitting at a junction, Colchuck Lake to the left and Stuart Lake to the right, so plan for a different hike once you reach the fork.
