Larch Season - What’s it all about?
Every fall many hikers become quite obsessed with hiking just to see Larch trees in their full fall colours.
This annual fall tradition is based on marking the passage of time – the end of summer and the coming of winter. In Eastern Canada it is the fall colours of the sugar maple that mark this transition in a truly spectacular display. There is a good reason that the red maple leaf is the symbol of Canada. You owe it to yourself to see the fall colour display of the sugar maple trees at least once in your lifetime. In Western Canada we have the dramatic colours of the alpine Larch Trees in the mountains or the Aspen Poplar Trees in the foothills.
Larch season hiking is all about pure enjoyment. There are no summits to reach, no ridges to traverse, and no long arduous treks – just pick a suitable location with Larch tress and enjoy forest bathing at its finest. Bring a snack and a thermos and just sit and marvel that you are fortunate enough to live in such a beautiful place. The contrast of burnt orange and yellow is breathtaking – capturing a suitably spectacular photo is sublime. If you are particularly fortunate you may even encounter an overnight dusting of fresh snow that really makes the fall colours explode.
Fall Hikes
The days of just picking a Larch tree hike and showing up are long gone. Larch season hiking has become incredibly popular and it takes some pre-planning to enjoy a successful Larch tree hike. The most famous Larch season hike (and arguably the most scenic) is Larch Valley from Moraine Lake, which requires pre-booking on the shuttle. Larch Valley will be awe inspiring - but you will definitely not be lonely. Many people are looking for a less crowded – but still visually spectacular - alternative.
Parks Canada recommends eight additional hiking locations where Larch trees can be viewed:
(1) Taylor Lake,
(2) Saddleback
(3) Lake Agnes
(4) Arnica Lake
(5) Boulder Pass
(6) Healey Pass
(7) Rockbound Lake
(8) Bourgeau Lake
Kananaskis country also boasts several well-known Larch season destinations:
(1) Ptarmigan Cirque
(2) Rawson Lake
(3) Mt. Black Prince Trail
(4) Chester Lake
(5) Burstall Pass
(6) Buller Meadows
(7) Rummel Lake
(8) Mt. Lorette Ponds
These are just some of the more well-known Larch season hikes - there are dozens of other locations that boast Larch trees… but some of them are closely guarded secrets. My wife and I have been doing annual Larch season hikes for almost the past half-century – we have enjoyed all of these listed Larch hikes many times. They are all highly worthwhile - but we definitely have our favorites that we like to visit every year. Pick a couple hikes for this season, a couple different ones for next season, eventually hike them all – plus a few others that you come across on your own. Enjoy!
How to dress for fall hiking
With the shorter hours of sunlight, the mountain mornings can be quite cool and you may need additional insulation layers if you plan to get an early start. Mid-day temperatures can often rise to summer like conditions - particularly if it’s sunny with little wind. In the late afternoon the air temperatures can fall rapidly after the sun sinks behind the mountains. You will most likely need to carry some extra clothing to stay comfortable all day with these extreme temperature changes.
(Check out our other blog on staying warm during fall camping for more tips).
Starting with your head you’ll need to carry a lightweight beanie/toque or pack an insulating mid-layer with a hood - particularly if there is any significant wind – the colder air temperatures can result in frosty windchills and having your head covered is essential to your long-term comfort.
A lightweight pair of gloves is helpful to keep your hands protected from the cold. It’s not going to get really cold but any wind can create enough windchill to make exposed skin uncomfortable and you may even notice a slight loss of dexterity. Pack some hand warmers and use them if it helps – especially if you suffer from arthritis.
In the fall overnight precipitation at elevation tends to fall as snow which can accumulate and typically melts during the following day. Dry feet are warm feet. Proper hiking boots that have been recently waterproofed will help to keep your feet dry and warm. Pack a spare pair of socks if your feet are prone to sweating – and change your socks if your feet become cold. Sometimes the recent snowfalls are significant enough to justify wearing gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots – you will always be warmer wearing gaiters than not wearing them.
A lightweight mid-layer can help to keep you warm while hiking or while taking a break. But if you really want to remain toasty warm during extended breaks - or if you get caught in wild weather - a puffy down jacket is well worth the extra weight & bulk in your day pack.
During your hike planning phase always check the local forecast (try to check a few different sources… weather prediction is not an exact science and sometimes you’ll see widely different forecasts for the same location). If significant precipitation is in the forecast – you can still go – just make sure that you pack adequate rain gear – consider packing an umbrella too. There is no such thing as bad weather – just inadequate preparation.
Some high calorie snacks and thermos with a hot drink can go a long way to make your Larch season outing more enjoyable. Larch season hiking is strictly an enjoyment-based activity it’s supposed to be tranquil and meditative – even revered.
Happy Trails!
