All I can say is WOW for this hike. Every year we do a new Larch hike and this one didnt disappoint. The whole drive up to Blewett Pass was full of Larches, Cottonwoods etc. just gorgeous.
Teaching Moment: There are 2 types of Larch. Western and Subalpine. There only difference is where they are found. Western Larches are found in mid elevation mixed with firs etc and are much taller whereas the Subalpine Larch is found at much higher elevations and more sparse over a mountain top vs the Western mixed into a forest system. But for appearances other than size they are the same. Gorgeous yellow colors and some even lime colored as they start their change. Now you know.
There is a sign for the turn off at Blewett Pass but it is right as you hit the pass so be ready to make that right hand turn heading Northbound. Follow the road up till you hit a signed parking lot/trail head area (not the first open lot right off the highway, that is the Sno park lot). There is one pit toilet. Bring TP and hold your breath. The parking lot has to hold maybe 30+ cars, its huge.
Trail starts off to the right of the large trail information sign. This is a counter clockwise loop which is nice because you never pass anyone coming the opposite direction.
The trail is amazing and great for any age group (ignore the trip report about the 60+ yr old parents that the daughter thought couldnt handle the hike). We are early 60's and this was a piece of cake and we have done some of the hardest hikes out there. This hike would be great for kids as well. Very safe and wide trail.
The trail has 1-25 posts with some having information and others just the number. At the TH there usually is a pamphlet for showing you all the things you are seeing but of courses none to be had. I did download the map to help me see where I was on the trail. see it below
The loop can be close to 2.5mi if you do stops 1-16 but if you want to go further, stops 1-25 you will do almost 3.0mi. I encourage you to do the whole 25 stops on the loop it is worth it and stop 21 is the Money Picture spot where you see all the Enchantments, Mt Rainier and larches for as far as the eye can see!! 360degree. If you want the shorter hike you need to turn on the left trail just before you cross the Forest Service Rd. Its not numbered but its #16 and the number is actually after the turn off. So if you hit the Forest Rd turn around and go back and look for the trail that veers off into the woods. That will take you back to the parking lot, otherwise cross the forest road and continue on.
The loop will lead you back to the parking lot. I have done some gorgeous Larch hikes from Cairn Mtn to Longs Pass but this hike with its value of time, ease, quantity of Larches seen does surpass your expectations.
After the hike if you still want more you can tackle the drive up to Red Top Lookout and see the Larches from that vantage point right in front of the Enchantments with more views of Mt Rainier to boot. Red Top Lookout is on your way back South toward Mineral Springs Campground area on Hwy 97.
There might be another week of so before the needles drop as they look to be nearing peak color with a few lime colored ones still working on getting to yellow. Enjoy
Comments
Tarawalks22 on Swauk Forest Discovery Trail
Will we run into hunters on this trail?
Posted by:
Tarawalks22 on Oct 21, 2023 02:16 PM
Brabbit on Swauk Forest Discovery Trail
Hunters can access any/all trails if they want but didnt see any on this trail and I would think they want to stay away from areas like this trail that is trafficed by hikers. Did hear a few gunshots in the distance which isnt surprising at this time of year. We always wear bright colored clothes in the Fall just to be safe. I had no worries hiking on the trail.
Posted by:
Brabbit on Oct 21, 2023 03:11 PM