The BEST Low-key Golden Larch Hike in Southern Washington
Nestled within the William O. Douglas Wilderness, Mesatchee Creek Falls offers a magical escape into nature’s golden beauty. This trail, renowned for its golden larches, sparkling creek beds, and a hidden heart-shaped cave, is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Whether you’re discovering the allure of misty falls or exploring the region’s rich natural and cultural history, Mesatchee Creek offers a memorable opportunity to explore.
Quick Overview
📍 Location: William O. Douglas Wilderness, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
🏙️ Closest Town: Packwood, WA (approximately 15 miles away)
🅿️ Trailhead: Mesatchee Creek Falls Trailhead
💲 Parking Pass Requirement: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/season)
〽️ Elevation Gain: 2,395 ft
🚻 Restroom: Available at the trailhead
🌸 Season: Accessible from June to November
📜 Permits: Free self-issued permits for day use; overnight permits available at Recreation.gov
🐶 Dog Policy: Dogs allowed, on leash
Alltrails Link: useful for recent trail conditions.
A local hiker from Yakima smiles at the sight of Mesatchee Falls.
Heads-Up!
Trail Conditions: Mesatchee Creek features several river crossings that require waterproof boots or walking across logs if you don’t want to wade. Trekking poles can provide added stability.
Seasonal Tips: Visit in late October (we went a week before Halloween) for peak larch season when the forest glows golden.
Weather Preparedness: Misty conditions enhance the magic of the falls but can make trails slippery. Pack appropriate rain gear and layered clothing.
Wildlife: You may stumble across elk, black bears, and cougars.
Mesatchee Creek Falls is a hidden gem within the Pacific Northwest, where golden larches light up the fall forest and rugged cliffs tower over sparkling creek beds. The combination of natural beauty, intriguing geology, and remnants of the area’s mining history creates a landscape that feels both timeless and mystical. The heart-shaped cave near the falls adds an element of wonder and romance, making this trail a must-visit destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Step 1: Buy Your Permit
Permit Type
Annual Northwest Pass $30
Day Use Permit Free, self-issued at trailhead
Overnight Permit, available online
Where to Buy: Purchase on Recreation.gov.
Step 2: Download Offline Maps
https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/index.html?long=-120.3253&lat=47.4233&scale=150000
Use popular hiking apps like Gaia GPS or AllTrails for interactive trail maps that work offline.
Step 3: Get Out There
Let us know how your adventure went!!! Tag us on social media @RecreationLeader
Geology: A Glimpse into the Past
The rugged terrain of Mesatchee Creek was shaped by ancient volcanic activity, leaving behind basaltic rock formations and scattered pyrite, also known as “fool’s gold.” These glimmering minerals in the creek beds provide a connection to the area’s geological history, reminding visitors of the forces that sculpted this unique landscape.
Natural History
Upper left: fall foliage at its best. Upper Right: Pyrite “Fools Gold.” Lower Right: Moss & Lichen. Lower Left: Moth in the heart shaped cave below the falls.
Cultural History
Mesatchee Creek holds echoes of its mining past, where prospectors once sought fortune in the form of gold and pyrite. While the mines have long been abandoned, their legacy remains in the creeks and surrounding cliffs, offering hikers a chance to connect with the region’s history.
