[Nancyann]

To me, larch bathing entails spending at least a full day walking amongst and observing larches to completely immerse myself in their beauty and euphoric golden light. Each one, large and small, seems to have their own distinct personality and in early season, their own unique and fascinating blend of colors. On October 6, favorable weather and lack of local smoke helped create a perfect day for larch bathing on Carne Mountain. Despite its popularity, the trail was uncrowded, and all the hikers were coming back down while we were walking up at noon. We enjoyed spectacular fall colors on the huckleberry bushes and shrubs as we worked our way up the trail.

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

At Carne Basin, we stopped to admire the first view of larches and have a bite to eat.

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

The blend of colors in the surrounding larch forest was mesmerizing, ranging from pale green to yellow, to gold and deep orange.

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

After lunch, we continued up the trail to the summit of Carne Mountain, where the late afternoon sun created beautiful patterns of shadows and golden light.

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Adding to the enjoyment of light and color were expansive views of Mt. Maude and the Entiats and south down Rock Creek to Fifth of July Mountain, where we had spent time earlier in the summer.

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

In addition, looking west, we could see Glacier Peak and the Dakobed Range silhouetted in the distance, reminding us of our recent adventure a month ago.

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

The temperature on the summit was surprisingly pleasant for so late in the day, but the shadows were growing long on Old Gib Mountain to the south, so regretfully we began our long walk back to the trailhead, arriving just as darkness fell.

Carne Mountain 10/6/20

Despite the tediously slow drive down the bumpy road, we somehow managed to make it to the Squirrel Tree for dinner, and were very surprised when the owner gave us dinner at no charge, since we eat there so often! A perfect ending to a perfect day!

[Sculpin]

Excellent images! I was there the same day and took the same shots, but they are not as nice as yours. Not sure how my daughter and I missed meeting you on the trail... oh well, it will probably happen sooner or later.

[Nancyann]

Wasn’t that a gorgeous day to be up there, Sculpin? It would have been fun to meet you and your daughter! Glad you liked my pictures. I just used my IPhone 8 and for some photos, attached an 18mm or 62mm lens, both made by Moment of Seattle.

[MangyMarmot]

Great photos. Awesome larch trip. That is such a cool area.

[bobbi]

OMG! the colors are totally outrageous! I want to see the larches! definitely next year!