Nathan Burroughs
Nathan Burroughs
  • 11
  • 6 955
Washington Cascades || Larch Madness in the North Cascade Sawtooths
Seasons work a little differently in Washington state, where the 4 seasons are 1) Winter, 2) Volcano Ski, 3) Summer, and 4) *Larch!* Along with the volcano ski season, larch season is the most glorious. And that's why this video is so long - it's hard to cut footage of the golden larches!
In this 2-day adventure, we explore West Oval Lake, Courtney Peak, Star Peak, and Star Lake deep in the North Cascades' Sawtooth subrange, with ZERO other people around.
The larch is a deciduous conifer found east of the crest of Washington's North Cascades mountain range. For ~2 weeks at the tail end of September & first half of October, the larches turn a vibrant golden color, made especially more brilliant on sunny days when the sun's rays reflect off the thin larch needles. This trigger's Larch Madness, an obsessive drive for Washingtonians to go see such beauty during this tiny window. However, for some reason, they stick to the same 4 places, leaving plenty of untouched wilderness for those seeking greater solitude.
0:11 - Eagle Creek Trailhead
1:50 - First Larches
2:35 - Arriving at West Oval Lake
4:14 - Day 2
5:43 - Hitting the Trail
8:36 - Star Lake Larch Grove
9:33 - Courtney Peak Summit
13:00 - Star Lake
14:55 - Star Peak Summit
15:09 - Tour of North Cascades Peaks (w/ brief glimpse of Lake Chelan at 15:51)
18:24 - Star Lake swim
20:09 - Larch Madness 101
22:52 - West Oval Lake return
23:10 - West Oval Lake swim
23:45 - Hike out
Переглядів: 728

Відео

Cascade Volcanoes || South Sister: Suffer, Summit, & Snowboard
Переглядів 301Місяць тому
On June 13th, A week before the summer solstice, I headed to the Three Sisters Wilderness to splitboard the majestic South Sister. The Three Sisters are three cascade stratovolcanoes that tower over the town of Bend, Oregon, and (in my opinion), make up the most beautiful part of Oregon. South Sister is the youngest and tallest (10,385 ft), and unlike North & Middle Sisters, has been active sin...
Oregon's Three Sisters || September Snowboarding at No Name Lake
Переглядів 318Місяць тому
Turns All Year (TAY). noun. The obsessive hobby of skiing or snowboarding once a month, each month of the year. This slightly-ludicrous past time is found predominately in the Pacific Northwest, where heavy winter snowfalls & active glaciers feed a compulsive and addictive need for Year-round Turns. Example: Me: Uh oh, it's getting late in September, I need to keep my streak for Turns All Year ...
The Enchantments || Larches, Goats, & Epic Views from McClellan Peak
Переглядів 1712 місяці тому
This video is a follow-up sequel to my Enchantments Through-Hike Year 5 adventure. After seeing a Leavenworth buddy's picture of a snow-free Enchantments midweek, I had no choice but to return to bag McClellan Peak, my final Enchantments Bulger-peak sidequest. It's no joke of a climb (27 miles, 7,200 ft vert), but boy, was it a glorious outing. Perfect weather. Peaking golden larches at Colchuc...
Cascade Volcanoes || Glacier Peak: Climbing & Skiing the Mother of Mountains
Переглядів 9063 місяці тому
This video is an ode to the Glacier Peak volcano, the Great Parent. Called Takobia/Dagobe/Dakobed in native tongues, meaning the Mother of Mountains. Or perhaps more fitting, the Mother of the North Cascades. Washington's hidden 5th volcano features epic remoteness, stunning beauty, supreme isolation, and a spiritual location in the heart of the North Cascades. Glacier Peak is certainly my favo...
Cascade Volcanoes || Shastina: Carnage and Corn Splitboarding Cascade Gulch
Переглядів 2035 місяців тому
Ah, Shastina. The younger sister of the more well-known Mount Shasta (14,179 ft), Shastina is a beast on her own. With her volcanic cone peaking at12,335 ft, she would be the third tallest Cascade Volcano in the range, if counted separately (449 ft of prominence). She also contains a host of amazing backcountry ski lines. After summiting and snowboarding Mount Shasta last year with some homies,...
Washington Cascades || The Enchantments: Thru-Hike Year 5
Переглядів 1 тис.5 місяців тому
On October 1st of 2023, I set out on my annual autumn through-hike of the Enchantments with my Year 5 crew to bask in the glory of Washington's preeminent wilderness hike. It's hard to think of a more beautiful places on the planet than the Enchantments Core basin during golden larch season. This year, larches were near peak and a dusting of snow presented a climbing challenge as I tried to bag...
California || Spillway Slidin' Season
Переглядів 386 місяців тому
Ahh, springtime in California. After a good, wet winter, that means two things: 1) Great spring backcountry skiing, and 2) Sliding down the Spillways of our overflowing reservoirs. Enjoy!
Cascade Volcanoes || Shasta: Summiting, Snowboarding & Skiing Avalanche Gulch
Переглядів 1378 місяців тому
Mount Shasta, the roof of Northern California. The Cascade's largest and second tallest (14,180 ft) volcano (after Rainier) stands tall above the surrounding plains, hills, and mountains of Northern California. With California's epic winter of 2023, Shasta's Avalanche Gulch, one of the 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America, was in excellent condition into Summer. Volcano Season is a term use...
Washington Cascades || The Alpine Lakes High Route
Переглядів 3,1 тис.Рік тому
Three glorious days on the Alpine Lakes High Route (Aug 26-28). Washington's Alpine Lake Wilderness covers a swatch of rugged terrain in the southern section of the North Cascades. The region is most famous for the Enchantments, but the Alpine Lakes High Route covers an entirely different, almost-as-epic section to the west of the Cascade divide. Huge glacial lakes, rugged peaks, alpine meadows...

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @Kambria-d3z
    @Kambria-d3z 22 дні тому

    Volunteering many hours away from family or doing other stuff we love.

  • @Kambria-d3z
    @Kambria-d3z 22 дні тому

    Hunters also use the area. Respect the locals and people who work hard to clear these trails.

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 22 дні тому

      Hi Kambria - Looks like you are all over the comments section, and I saw your comments on WHC before they were deleted. I know the Sawtooths like the back of my hand; they are one of my favorite places in Washington. Soo... who's to imply that I'm no local...? And who's to imply that I don't respect everyone that I meet...? I'm not sure why you seem to think that you and Team Horse own the land. I've spent DECADES sharing the VAST open spaces in this country with horses, and there has NEVER been a problem. There are also MANY places where hikers & mountain bikers volunteer and clear trails that HORSES then get to use. I've been deep in the wilderness, and have had GREAT conversations with hunters, and even exchanged beta. You are making a problem where there isn't one. On these two prime October days, there was NO ONE out here... it's a shame to have it wasted. I've set out from neighboring Crater Creek Trailhead on peak, late September weekends, and I've still never observed conflict. Your concerns about turning around at the Trailhead are valid. Turning around big trailers is never fun. Perhaps the USFS could increase the size of the lot, add better signage, or create a designated turn-around area. However, the answer is certainly not telling fellow Public Land Owners to not enjoy their public lands. Cheers.

  • @Kambria-d3z
    @Kambria-d3z 22 дні тому

    Middle oval lake is stock camp, for horses. Hitching posts and loading ramp at trailhead. If people don’t leave room in the parking lot for a horse trailer to maneuver when we come up there you will get blocked in until we get back from our trip. We have no other option. We cannot back down the narrow windy forest service road with a horse trailer.

  • @brennacarr6253
    @brennacarr6253 23 дні тому

    Isn’t this a stock camp? Important to specify because trailers will block cars in if they are in the camp area.

  • @wanderingbbEfoutdoortours
    @wanderingbbEfoutdoortours 23 дні тому

    Wonderful adventure ❤

  • @LaoSoftware
    @LaoSoftware 24 дні тому

    I'm waiting until next year to hike and camp at North Cascade National Park. I'm busy working my job. 56 hours a week.

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 22 дні тому

      Definitely make it a priority, so many awesome places!

  • @justino611
    @justino611 Місяць тому

    Great video. So funny your dog at first is like I wanna jump in too then later on more like what are you doing these lakes are too cold! lol

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs Місяць тому

      Haha for sure. Hard to tell a dog, 'Yo take it easy, we've got 20 more miles and 12 more lakes!'

  • @johnhadley7991
    @johnhadley7991 Місяць тому

    Wow better scenery/terrain diversity than sierras which are my stomping ground. Love the way you appreciated the lakes- by getting in them. ROAD TRIP!! SUBSCRIBED

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs Місяць тому

      Glad you enjoyed it! Definitely worth getting out there, it's pretty awesome. The Sierra is pretty sweet as well though!

  • @gfon970
    @gfon970 Місяць тому

    Deja vu. Great vid!

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs Місяць тому

      @@gfon970 had to re-upload a clean version for my mom!

  • @madisoncaley2495
    @madisoncaley2495 Місяць тому

    Sick

  • @Gemeneye0ne
    @Gemeneye0ne Місяць тому

    3 sisters is awesome! I live in Portland. Nice vid! At 5:24 I thought that bright spot the tucks over the water was amazing looking, have you ever been closer?

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs Місяць тому

      Have not. Pretty sweet reflection though, huh!

    • @Gemeneye0ne
      @Gemeneye0ne Місяць тому

      @@NattyBurroughs ya it was. great post!

  • @NattyBurroughs
    @NattyBurroughs 2 місяці тому

    Subscribe to the channel for more mountain content!

  • @gfon970
    @gfon970 2 місяці тому

    Beautiful, man! The shots comparing November 1 vs. November 8 of 2023 were crazy. I like all the voiceovers and music too.

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 2 місяці тому

      Thanks man! Yeah I’m really psyched that I was able to do a nice contrast between the snow and non-snow for so many spots!

  • @mikemecklenborg5412
    @mikemecklenborg5412 2 місяці тому

    I made it past Little Heart Lake and halfway to Big heart Lake and twisted my ankle really bad but was able to turn around and hike back out very slowly. Hiking alone safety always comes first. I would have loved to do the whole hike but it still was enjoyable.

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 2 місяці тому

      I feel that. You probably made the right call - The mountains aren't going anywhere, and will always be there for your return!

  • @abhishes
    @abhishes 2 місяці тому

    Did they change color early this season? usually its a little later.

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 2 місяці тому

      Sorry for the confusion, this is from last year! October 8th, 2023 to be precise.

    • @abhishes
      @abhishes 2 місяці тому

      @@NattyBurroughs Ha Ha .. thanks for clarifying ... I was running towards by Subaru Forrester :=)

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 2 місяці тому

      @@abhishes Haha I'd be doing the same!

  • @AlpineAtlas
    @AlpineAtlas 3 місяці тому

    Your stoke for the mountain is contagious! Loved seeing all the views from previous trips.

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 2 місяці тому

      Thanks man, I appreciate the kind words!

  • @gfon970
    @gfon970 4 місяці тому

    The Ben Gravy of the West Coast

  • @pinetarsavage
    @pinetarsavage 4 місяці тому

    Damn. This is epic.

  • @amyuberhaag9499
    @amyuberhaag9499 5 місяців тому

    Headed here in4 weeks, what did you think about the Bushwack from chetwood to Iron Cap Gap/Lakes and its decent. Your video is the only one that didn't look tortuously hard. Thoughts ...we actually have 6days, and then headed to maybe get a day permit in the Enchantments, unless you have other recomendations. Coming from Michigan.

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 5 місяців тому

      Oof, it's hard to say. It's all a matter of perspective. I will say we did an incredible job staying on the correct route during this section. Chetwoot -> Iron Cap is mostly a long but stable boulder field. Iron Cap -> Tank Lakes has some not very fun steep bushwhacks, which I thought were the most annoying/sketchiest parts. However, I spend a lot of time traipsing around the North Cascades, so overall I thought it wasn't too bad. If you're coming from Michigan... yeah I mean it's definitely unlike anything out there I'm guessing hah.

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 5 місяців тому

      I could give you a lot of recommendations, but you can't go wrong with Tank, Chetwoot (and the ones leading up to it), or the Enchantments. You don't need a permit for the Enchantments if you are only going up for the day (well, self-issued at TH), and you'll want to make sure to set up a car shuttle if through-hiking (whereas this route can be a loop). The Enchantments is definitely easier than the Alpine Lakes High Route.

    • @kunaalabhyankar2768
      @kunaalabhyankar2768 5 місяців тому

      Wanted to try over July 5th weekend, do you think the trail would be ready? Thanks for a great video man

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 4 місяці тому

      @@kunaalabhyankar2768 hard to say. There will probably be some snow on the boulder field traverse, based on the USFS Snow Levels Map. Check that out. Hard to say exactly how much and how that would affect travel. Doesn't seem like any trip reports have come out this year on AllTrails. Different FB groups like WHC or Peakbaggers sometimes can have up-to-date beta as well.

    • @kunaalabhyankar2768
      @kunaalabhyankar2768 4 місяці тому

      @@NattyBurroughs thanks I called the ranger station today and they said to expect snow but for it to be doable. Planning on waiting another week then giving it a go, appreciate it bro!

  • @KhurshidsChannel
    @KhurshidsChannel 5 місяців тому

    Wow!! Beautiful place. Nice video. Thanks for sharing. Like 👍3

  • @hellogoodwin
    @hellogoodwin 5 місяців тому

    Nice! What month and year was this? I’m planning a trip around weather/snowpack

    • @NattyBurroughs
      @NattyBurroughs 5 місяців тому

      August 26-28! There should be a plenty big snowpack-less window. Get psyched!

  • @pinetarsavage
    @pinetarsavage 6 місяців тому

    Looks like an epic day!

  • @jameshunt1221
    @jameshunt1221 6 місяців тому

    Thanks, good times.

  • @unjarredoutdoors5513
    @unjarredoutdoors5513 7 місяців тому

    Great adventure with incredible swimming holes! Anyone pass you doing c2c?

    • @pinetarsavage
      @pinetarsavage 6 місяців тому

      On Day 1, one person turned around on the boulder field as it got dark! That was it. Only saw three parties between Big Heart Lake and Tank Lakes at all. Definitely awesomely empty back there, unlike the Enchantments. Although weekday Enchantments still isn't too bad. Much more difficult than the Enchantments through-hike.

  • @evanearhart8847
    @evanearhart8847 11 місяців тому

    Epic! Keep up the vlog, good stuff!

  • @tllogan59
    @tllogan59 Рік тому

    Gorgeous, you animals.