Seattle Hiking Community

Sat, Oct 18 · 8:00 AM PDT

Trail of Gold | Fall Foliage and Larches at Little Giant Pass

Little Giant Trailhead, Chiwawa River Road, Leavenworth, WA, US

Little Giant Pass – Gateway to the Napeequa Dreamscape
In a remote corner of the Glacier Peak Wilderness lies one of the crown jewels of the Cascades - the fabled Napeequa River Valley. Known as the Shangri-La of the Cascades, this hidden valley indeed looks like a mountain paradise and makes this one of Washington state's most worthwhile and underappreciated hiking destinations.

Little Giant Pass rises like a mythic stairway into one of the most breathtaking alpine realms in the North Cascades. At the top of the Pass, the world opens in a gasp-inducing panorama. Below lies the Napeequa River Valley, an impossibly lush and secluded Eden, cradled by jagged peaks and draped in mist. The river meanders like a silver ribbon through meadows that shimmer in autumn hues. From this vantage, the valley feels sacred—hidden, protected, idyllic and profoundly peaceful.

In Fall, the trail transforms into a painter’s palette. Golden larches ignite the hillsides with fiery brilliance, mingling with crimson huckleberry and amber grasses. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of frost-kissed pine.

🥾 Little Giant Pass Day Hike - Little Giant Trail #1518
📏 Distance: 10 mile round trip
📈 Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Challenging
⏱️ Estimated Hiking Time: 6 - 7 hours
🧘‍♀️ Pace: Moderate
🍂 Best Time: Mid October for Peak Fall Foliage

Itinerary
🕖 0800–0830 – Arrive at the Trailhead, Gear Up
🥾 0830 – Begin the Hike
🏞️ Midday – Enjoy lunch at the top of the Pass, sit back and soak in the idyllic views of the Napeequa River Valley.
🕓 1530 – Return to Trailhead

Links
Trail Map
WTA
Trip Report
Ten Hiking Essentials

Meetup Location
Little Giant Trailhead
Chiwawa River Road - Forest Road 62
Leavenworth, WA 98826
GPS: 48.02660, -120.82900

Route
We will need to cross an unbridged river ford right at the beginning of the hike. Water sandals and extra socks recommended for this river crossing. The water levels are typically at their lowest in Sep and Oct.

From the valley floor, the trail launches upward through dense stands of fir and cedar, the air rich with the scent of moss and pine. The path is narrow, zigzagging through switchbacks. But as we climb, the forest begins to thin, and the world opens. Breaking into alpine meadows, the silence deepens. Fall foliage and golden larches abound here.

At nearly 6,400 feet, Little Giant Pass feels like a threshold between worlds. The wind carries whispers from ancient glaciers, and the landscape rolls out in a tapestry of peaks, valleys, and sky. It’s a place to pause, breathe deeply, and feel the pulse of the wilderness. Those who wish to extend the hike can continue another 3 miles on the trail to the flat bottomed valley (for a total roundtrip of 16 miles and 6,500 feet elevation gain).

Logistics
We will meet directly at the trailhead per the schedule above. Hikers can self-organize carpools from any location, as needed. Use the messaging system and comments below to coordinate rides. Average one-way driving time from the Seattle area: 3 hours.
A National Forest Recreation Pass is not required at this trailhead.

Recommended Gear
Trekking Poles, Rain Jacket, Hat, Gloves, Microspikes & 10 Hiking Essentials. The weather forecast at this trail for Oct 18 is partly sunny skies with a high of 51 F at the trailhead and a high of 35 F at the top of the Pass with wind chills. There is a chance of light rain in the afternoon. Dress in layers and be prepared for winter like conditions.

Getting There
From the Stevens Pass Ski Area on US Highway 2, travel east for 20 miles. Turn left at Coles Corner onto WA-207 north and continue for 4.2 miles. Just after you cross the Wenatchee River, bear right at the fork in the road for Chiwawa Loop Road for 0.4 miles. Keep right onto County Highway 22 and continue another 0.8 miles. Turn left onto Chiwawa River Road / NF-62 and continue 19.1 miles to the trailhead on your left. (Road becomes rough gravel and dirt at the 11 mile point). High clearance vehicles recommended though any vehicle can make it with slow and controlled driving.

Disclaimer
Before committing, please evaluate your physical fitness, experience level, and preparedness. I am not a guide. By choosing to participate, you acknowledge the inherent risks of wilderness hiking and accept full responsibility for your safety and decisions. You expressly consent to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the event host from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, and expenses.

RSVP Etiquette
All attendees should be registered here. Please read the entire Event Description above and browse the links provided. RSVP to this event only if you are committed to attending. Late cancellations and No-Shows are noted and will impact your ability to attend future events with us.