Larch Lakes (Entiat)

This hike is a tough one for those who try and tackle it in one day, but the larch trees are stunning here and if a day is all you have, try and catch them on a sunny one. The golden needles glinting in the sunlight are gorgeous, particularly so if you can get out there on a weekday and enjoy the surreal views to yourself.

Hike along a dry, flat trail for 3.5 miles until you reach a fork. Taking the right fork offers a more direct route to your destination but involves fording the Entiat River. Turning left takes hikers to Myrtle Lake, a scenic place to rest your legs. Just past the lake, you'll reach another fork — go straight to continue on the Larch Lakes trail, or go left to Cow Creek Meadows. If you head to Cow Creek Meadows, you can eventually take the Garland Peak trail up and over to Upper Larch Lake, which makes for a lovely loop with some added mileage and elevation.

Hike along above a steep hillside above the Entiat River and cross Larch Creek, before beginning a steep ascent that only relents once you arrive at your destination. Enjoy views of a dreamy waterfall misting the craggy rocks that hold the lakes you are headed for. Once you pop over the rocky wall, you will be greeted by a quiet alpine lake. This may offer rest and respite for most hikers, but carrying on just a half mile further will bring you to the upper lake, nearly twice as large as the lower lake.

Larch trees cling to the rocky walls around both lakes and offer an otherworldly backdrop for your lunchtime view. Rest up and swim, then head back.