[kyle d]

Since I ran into Dicey and fwb2 on this trip and basically went the same route they did (except for the Jack part), I'll put this LINK to their trip report for those wanting more route details. That and it's already more than a week late, and I don't feel like writing up a lot of details I was browsing around for some alternative larch hikes, when I came across some of Galiwalker's pictures of the Jerry Lakes. They looked like a good destination with larches, so I was off. Due to my fear of driving in the Methow valley in the dark, I got started sometime around 9 am. It was remarkable warm for the beginning of October. The vine maples along the first few miles provided some color, though this year they seem to be mostly yellow with little red, like they sometimes have. Around Crater Lake the color began to pick up with red blueberry and huckleberry bushes and golden larch.

Crossing the creek

Vine maples

Autumn on Crater Mountain

Autumn on Crater Mountain

larches

Red and gold

Views continued to expand as I headed up, with a view of many North Cascade Peaks, which I enjoyed during a leisurely time on the warm summit.

Heading up Crater

Baker to Shuksan

Toward Lookout #2

Jack

Baker et al.

Shuksan and some Picketts, I think

Looking down at the eventual destination for the evening

Towards Baker from Crater

After a while it was time to head over to the Jerry Lakes. I took the path below the Glacier, which was pretty loose, but that was soon forgotten upon reaching the lakes.

Jerry Glacier

Approaching the Jerry Lakes

Larches

Campsite views

Jerry Laks evening

Afternoon by the lake

Last Light

Sunset on Crater

After wondering around the lakes for a while I found a suitable campsite. While setting up camp I realized I had forgotten my tent poles, so I ended up sleeping beneath the stars. Fortunately, it was a very warm night for October, and the stars were amazing. The next morning was spent around the lakes watching the sun slowly make its way over the ridges lighting the larches, which were reflected in the calm surface of the lakes.

Early morning

The sun hits the tops of the larches

Jerry Lake larches

larch glow

Larch reflections

Reflections

Upper Jerry

Larches

Jerry lake Autumn

Jerry Lake reflections

Upper Jerry Lake

Jerry Lake reflections

On the way back I went by the newly formed glacial lake and to lookout number 2. Then, since I had never been there, I made the quick hike to Blue Lake near Washington Pass

1 label

Crater Mountain and Jerry Glacier. Note the lone larch in fall color

Lone Larch

Lake 63??

Lake 63??

Along the Blue Lake Trail

Blue Lake

Larch forest on the way to Blue Lake

Washington Pass overlook

[Magellan]

Nice coverage of the area Kyle. Definitely some calendar worthy entries there.

[beaudaddy]

Dang It!!! I really need to check that place out. Great Report. This is high on my list for next year.

[Tall Hiker Man]

I'm convinced!

[Sherpa Don]

Great pics of the reflections and golden larches around Jerry Lakes. Thanks. Going from the parking lot to Jerry Lakes in one day is a real grind with overnight gear, but worth it for the solitude and views. My two trips into this area were earlier in the year so no golden larch color (but great berries on the ridges up to Crater). Thanks again.

[GaliWalker]

Really nice shots, Kyle. The larch look great, pity I missed out on their autumn splendor.

[kyle d]

Thanks for the comments everyone. Galiwalker: that lone larch is in a perfect position for anyone walking around the lake to photograph.

[wildernessed]

Good stuff Kyle !

[Rainie Too!]

Wow! Makes us all want to go!

[belowfellow]

great shots of the larch reflections!

[fwb]

Nice seeing you on the trip. The star show was great, and the early morning moon. I f you are going to forget your tent poles this was a good weekend for it. Jerry lakes is a spectacular area that seems to see so little traffic. Saturday I took a tour around the many lakes. It amazed me how many little stashes there are there amoungst teh five lakes.