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Dayhike to one of the best Alpine Larch forests in Washington on the Carne Mountain Trail. Views of the Eastside of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, including 9,000' Mt. Maude, and 8,500' Buck Mountain. Stunning fall colors of the deciduous Alpine Larch tree with it's golden yellow needles. 8 mile roundtrip hike with 3,500' of elevation gain. Good weather on the dry side of the Cascades when the west side is getting soaked.
Drive USFS Road 62 for 23 miles from Lake Wenatchee (turn left at Cole's Corner off of Highway 2 towards Lake Wenatchee). Turn right on USFS Road 6211 for ~2.5 miles to the end at the Phelps Creek Trailhead.
Begin to hike the Phelps Creek Trail but in 1/4-1/2 a mile, take a right on the Carne Mountain trail, #1508. Ascend the at times steep Carne Mountain trail to a subalpine basin and spend some time exploring. At approximately 3.5 miles, the trail splits. Stay left and continue 3/4 mile to the broad summit of Carne Mountain.
To catch the Larch trees in their autumn splendor, the best time is the first week or two of October. Usually peak color is around October 10th. Bring your camera, especially on a sunny day. The larches glow electric yellow when backlit by the sun.