The 9.5-Mile Grasshopper Pass Trail Leads Hikers to the Most Spectacular Fall Foliage in Washington

When we think of autumn foliage, what comes to mind first is usually the bright, deciduous forests that paint the Northeast. True, we have similar seasonal displays in Washington, but Washington earned its nickname, the Evergreen State, for a reason. It's no surprise, then, that the seasonal colors of western and subalpine larches have captured the attention of outdoor enthusiasts. Nowadays, hikers crowd trails populated by these unique trees, leading some folks to find alternatives. Grasshopper Pass along the Pacific Crest Trail has so far escaped the leaf-peeping— or, in this case, needle-peeping— masses. For this reason, I think it may be the best fall hike in Washington.

One reason this 9.4-mile out-and-back beauty has avoided the now-standard autumnal inundation of its North Cascades peers is its sheer remoteness. After leaving Mazama— the closest town and your last chance to get supplies— you follow a narrow road for at least an hour before even reaching the trailhead.

But being two hours from decent cell service clearly has its benefits. It's also worth arriving well-prepared for your excursion. Other visitors rate the hike as "moderately challenging," but the soaring elevation—above 6,500 feet for most of the trek— can be an unexpected wrinkle for even experienced hikers.

Though it will take some time to get to Grasshopper Pass, the route treats visitors to unmatched views from the start. If you time the hike correctly, you'll be met with some impressive fall colors!

And in terms of autumn colors, it's hard to beat those that brighten this alpine path. Bands of bright red, strokes of citrine, and a turquoise sky make Grasshopper Pass a dazzling sensory experience.

If arriving mid-fall, you might encounter the season's first snowfall. I love packing a thermos of something hot along with an insulated picnic blanket for impromptu stops wherever the vistas deserve a moment's contemplation. A remarkably splendid grove of larches about seven miles in is my favorite place to pause and take it all in.

Although with a trail this beautiful, you'll be hard-pressed to find a stretch that doesn't feel like it could be the climactic view of many lesser hikes. I'm a sucker for snow-capped mountains, and the rare moment where the fall foliage and snow overlap is truly my favorite scenery of all time.

For us introverted hikers, crowds can complicate our enjoyment of autumn colors. Rather than lamenting the popularity of some trails, I find it's best to weigh the positives. More people than ever are willing to pile into their cars to appreciate our bioregion.

Not to mention, the viral status of some routes allows others to remain relatively peaceful. Grasshopper Pass is one of these gems, and for this reason, I think it may be the best fall hike in Washington.

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