Tamarack Festival is wrapping up today, and we couldn’t ask for better timing – right as our western larches reach peak foliage around 5000 feet!
A weak low-pressure system brought cloud cover this morning as I climbed into the Upper Basin via Summer Road and Tumwater. The colors were magnificent even before the sun came out. Walking through the larches felt like stepping onto an island of gold, with evergreens above and the valley view below, highlighted by the Columbia winding away north. It’s a view unique to fall on the east side of the Cascade Crest. On the lower ski runs, tan grasses waved in the breeze while birds flitted about, busy preparing for winter.
The clearest reminder of the impending cold months lies above 6,000 feet, where patches of last week’s snow are still lingering, a clear sign that nights are getting cooler and the sun angle lower.
Today is great hiking weather, cool enough to feel refreshing without getting cold. If you break a sweat on the climb, bring a layer for the descent, especially with gusty west winds in the forecast this afternoon. On my way down, the sun slowly broke through, and by the time I reached the bottom, the gold swaths were popping in full sunlight.
Guided hikes leave for Lake Clara at 2pm and Midway at 3pm. The Tamarack Festival Gear Swap is about to start in the Base Area, along with live music and plenty of activities and crafts for the kids. Thank you to everyone who’s joined us over these three Saturdays.
The larches will hold their color for a few more weeks in some spots, but winter is next on our minds as anticipation builds for the ski season. First up is the Pray for Snow Concert next Saturday, 10/24, in Wenatchee.
Summit Forecast
Tonight 10/17: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30, rising to around 32 overnight. Northwest wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday 10/18: Mostly sunny. High near 36, with temperatures falling to around 34 in the afternoon. East wind 2 to 6 mph.
Monday 10/19: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. West wind around 3 mph.
Chair 5 Pub Schedule
Saturday 10/17: 11am–9pm. This is the final day of Tamarack Festival, with the Gear Swap running from 2–6pm.
Sunday 10/18: 9am–2pm
Summer Access Policy
During the summer season (May–October), public access within the Mission Ridge Special Use Permit area is permitted except where restricted due to maintenance and construction. We love seeing the Mission Ridge community in the mountains and on the trails year-round, but please make sure to check out the full access policy by clicking the link below.
