North Cascades Highway
Scenic drive · Washington
Washington's alpine larches turn gold in early-to-mid October, and the pullout at Washington Pass Overlook on State Route 20 frames whole slopes of them beneath Liberty Bell Mountain. The highway closes at the first heavy snow, so the window is short.
Don’t miss
Peak: September 13–September 17
Color builds from August 31 · mostly bare by October 4
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at North Cascades Highway’s own coordinates and elevation (1663 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
North Cascades Highway on the map
More things to do in Washington
Washington Park Arboretum
ArboretumPeak October 13
The 230-acre arboretum on Lake Washington runs vivid from mid-October into November, with Japanese maples along Azalea Way, the Pacific Connections gardens, and canoe-level color from the Foster Island waterside trail.
Don’t miss: Azalea Way · Japanese Garden maples · Foster Island trail
Kubota Garden
GardenPeak October 10
Fujitaro Kubota's 20-acre Japanese garden in Rainier Beach layers maples over ponds, bridges, and stonework. It's Seattle's most concentrated fall-color spot, usually peaking late October into mid-November, free, and quieter than it deserves.
Don’t miss: Heart Bridge · Mountainside maples
Green Lake Park
City parkPeak October 13
The city's favorite 2.8-mile loop rings Green Lake with sweetgums, maples, and cottonwoods that color through late October. It's an easy golden-hour walk, with the water doubling every tree on a still evening.
Don’t miss: The 2.8-mile loop
Franklin Falls
TrailTypically October 1–October 20
An easy two-mile round trip off Snoqualmie Pass through old-growth hemlock and cedar to a 70-foot waterfall, with vine maple burning red and gold through the understory in early-to-mid October.
Don’t miss: Vine maple understory · The falls amphitheater
Frequently asked
- When does North Cascades Highway peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for September 13–September 17 (best estimate September 15). Color starts around August 31 and is mostly bare by October 4.
- What is North Cascades Highway best for?
- Larch season drive.
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