My favorite hiking photo from 2019. Golden Week.
Golden Week-
Mt. Stuart and the Enchantments framed by ethereal, golden Northern Larch. Taken from Tronsen Ridge, WA. October 19, 2019
Golden Week is magical to me. It only lasts a week. Then Larch needles drop off, creating a carpet of gold.
A strong wind can blow off gold needles. It thrills me to see Golden Week at its peak color.
Northern Larch are one of only two conifers in North America that lose their needles in the fall. Larch needles turn gold during one week in October.
Northern Larch grow at 3,000' to 9,000' feet elevation on the east side of the Cascade Mountains. They like north-facing exposures.
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Been racking my mind for the name we have for it in Ontario and eastern ||Canada and US called a Tamarack First learned of this tree when I was in scouts ,here is a link to it [google.com]
RoyMillar
Level 9
Mar 19, 2020
1
What's in a Name: Larch or Tamarack?
Thanks a great write up ,explaining the various variants ,I guess depending what part of the country you are they have a favourite name for them
Have you ever noticed that the folks who complain about having to stay home and self social distance are the ones that are least likely to go for a hike or a bike ride in the mountains? This is a great time to go out and discover the great outdoors. Spring flowers are going to start coming out depending on the altitude and area you live. Enjoy and wonder at the natural beauty around us.
rogueflyer
Level 8
Mar 19, 2020
3
Looks like the Rockies in CO,
similarities to the golden aspen are quite stark.
Nice shot.
Davesnothere
Level 7
Mar 19, 2020
2
Lovely. I want to frame the first photo and hang it on my wall. 
BestWithoutGods
Level 8
Mar 19, 2020
1
Thank you! Me, too.
The-Krzyz
Level 8
Mar 19, 2020
1
Larch look like Dr. Seuss trees with goofy-looking branches.
@LiterateHiker I’m always up for goofiness! (“Goofidity?” )
LiterateHiker
Level 9
Mar 19, 2020
4
Wow, I especially like the lake ones 
The yellow is spectacular in the pics ,The lake scene one drew my eyes to it first
@RoyMillar, @girlwithsmiles, @ToolGuy
I love the lake photo, especially the rounded ice and reflections.
But the Larch trees were past their peak of golden glory.
regardless it still very beautiful just the way it is
Thank you, Roy.
Why are the trees yellow? Very nice. Thanks for sharing
chiara23k
Level 7
Mar 19, 2020
2
@chiara23
Northern Larch are one of only two conifers in North America that lose their needles in the fall. Larch needles turn golden during one week in October. Then the needles dry and fall off.
Hawaii is beautiful, I love all the islands dearly, but being in the tropics, you won't see the fall colors that @LiterateHiker has photographed. And whether it be the Cascades, the Rockies or Appalachia, autumn leaves are spectacular. I hope you can see them someday.
@p-nullifidian If I remember right the Monkeypod is the only deciduous tree in Hawaii.
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