High up in the dry eastern ranges of the North Cascades lie groves of larches that put on a spectacular show every fall. It requires a bit of effort to get into the hinterlands, but once up here, you are greeted with views of endless larches. These conifers, which covering every alpine slope above a certain elevation, change to a brilliant yellow, and flow like golden lava over the rocky landscape.

While climbing over one such mountain pass in this area, I came across this grand vista of the larches showing off their peak autumnal shade. And nestled amidst the golden valley was a blissful alpine alpine pond. Surrounded by a marsh of drying grass, the lake was shrunken from its summer days but still was a pleasant sight for sore eyes.

I could not get over the tranquility of this silent morning, disturbed by nothing but the wind rustling through the golden needles. But I knew this wouldn't last forever. In a few more days, those larches will be bare, waiting for the arrival of spring to sprout again.

Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest
WA USA