Crowds have thinned to a trickle, and nasty bugs like mosquitoes and black flies are history by now. Early morning frost and fog shroud everything in mystery, often giving way to bursts of welcome sunlight as the day progresses.

Washington’s diversity of flora in the mountains makes for a spectacular fall color display – from the golden yellow of alpine larches and aspen on the eastern slope to the deep reds of vine maple and Oregon grape on the western slopes. Fiery oranges of huckleberry shrubs can carpet whole hillsides - often against a backdrop of crisp blue sky. Often overlooked in the summer, plants like bunchberry and false Solomon-seal suddenly bear bright red berries.

The cooler weather and shorter days of autumn also bring an increase in wildlife activity, as animals like bears and marmots busy themselves gathering food and storing up calories for the long, sleepy winter. Songbirds are seen in much greater numbers as they ditch their breeding territories and become friends again, flocking together to prepare for migration.

So pack an extra fleece, your camera and a thermos of hot chocolate or spiced cider, and get ready to fill your lungs with cool, crisp autumn air and take in a wonderful palette of Washington’s fall color. WTA has carefully selected three spectacular hikes for you to do just that.

• Maple Pass Loop / Lake Ann, North Cascades 6.5 miles round trip, elevation gain 1800 feet. Maple Pass is all about fall – spectacular colors, late-season huckleberries, and great views. A popular trail for alpine larch, peak viewing is usually mid-October, but should be earlier this year. Bring your camera, because the bright yellow larches punching through the flaming undergrowth on a sunny fall day will make a spectacular memento of your trip. A great family hike, and a short side trip to Lake Ann makes a nice addition. Directions: From Hwy 20 east from Skagit Valley or West from Methow Valley to Rainy Pass and park at the rest area.

• Granite Mountain, Central Cascades West 8 miles round trip, elevation gain 3800 feet. Here’s a great hike to celebrate what great shape you’ve gotten yourself in over the summer! The huffing and puffing will reward you with the eruption of a psychedelic blast of fall color as you gain elevation, culminating in a spectacular view at the summit. Directions: Take I-90 to Exit 47, signed “Denny Creek” to the north side of the freeway, then turn left towards the Pratt Lake – Granite Mountain trailhead.

• Naches Peak Loop, Mount Rainier East

3.5 miles round trip, elevation gain 500 feet. Subalpine meadows filled with huckleberry bushes that seem to be on fire with color make this hike a great one, but it’s the backdrop of “the mountain” that makes it brilliant. To get the best views of Mount Rainier, hike the loop in a clockwise direction, and go on a clear day! Directions: From Enumclaw, drive south on SR 410, then turn left on SR123 3.7 miles to Chinook Pass, and the large parking area on the left.

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