Coming from eastern Canada myself, fall in B.C. has never gotten much credit. Canadians tend to favour the bright red maples of the east at this time of year. We can’t be greedy. We have gorgeous summers and downright stunning winters, but we aren’t exactly known for our fall colours. In the six years I’ve lived out west, I’ve started to see B.C. fall in a different light. The deep greens, warm yellows and mountains in the background aren’t too shabby.
One of the crowning jewels of fall in the West is the larch tree. While these golden beauties are quite the sight, they have a very brief window before they lose all their needles.
So here are a few hikes to squeeze in before the end of larch season.
The first is Diana Lake, a scenic alpine lake surrounded by larch-filled meadows in the Brisco Range, about 85 km south of Golden. The hike is roughly 12 km return, with about 675 metres of elevation gain, making it a good option for those looking for a full day in the mountains.
The trail climbs through forest before opening into alpine meadows, where the golden larches frame the lake and surrounding peaks. For those willing to make the effort, the views make this a particularly rewarding fall hike. The access road can be rough, so hikers should check its condition and allow extra time to reach the trailhead.
For a hike closer to home, Gorman Lake is a popular local destination west of Golden. The trail is approximately 6.6 km return, with around 290 metres of elevation gain. It winds through forest, crosses boggy sections with boardwalks and climbs over rocky terrain before reaching the lake, which sits in a deep alpine bowl surrounded by mountains.
The lake is a destination in its own right, but the surrounding landscape also makes it a worthwhile place to visit during the changing seasons. Hikers should be aware that getting there involves travelling along a roughly 17 km forestry road with rough, uneven sections. A high-clearance vehicle is essential, and visitors should watch for logging traffic and wildlife.
For those looking for a more challenging adventure, Cobalt Lake in Bugaboo Provincial Park offers an impressive alpine landscape. The trail climbs steeply through the forest and a stand of alpine larches before reaching an open ridge with views of the lake and the dramatic granite spires of the Bugaboos.
According to BC Parks, the trail to Cobalt Lake is about 8.5 km one way, with an elevation change of approximately 800 metres. Reaching the lake itself requires additional navigation through alpine terrain, making this a demanding outing best suited to experienced, well-equipped hikers. The park is also accessed by a long, rough forestry road, so visitors should plan accordingly.
As with any mountain hike, conditions can change quickly in fall. Snow and ice can make trails more difficult, particularly at higher elevations, and a single storm can strip the larches of their golden needles. Check the forecast and trail conditions before setting out, bring appropriate layers and navigation equipment, and carry bear spray.
Larch season may be short, but it is a reminder that fall in the mountains has a beauty of its own. Whether it is a turquoise lake framed by golden trees or a stand of larches glowing against a backdrop of rugged peaks, these hikes offer a reason to appreciate the season before winter settles in.
