Carne Mountain
Entiat Mountains, Washington · 7,085 ft
Typical peak
Sep 1 – Sep 9
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
The last mile climbs into a basin of subalpine larch around 6,100 feet, then opens on the ridge to Glacier Peak, Mount Maude, and Seven Fingered Jack. The 3,600 feet of gain keeps the crowd far thinner than the roadside larch hikes on Highway 20.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
From US-97A at Entiat drive 38 miles up Entiat River Road (Forest Road 51) to the Trinity trailhead, then climb 3.7 miles on Carne Mountain Trail #1508.
What turns here
- subalpine larch
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 5Typical color progression for Carne Mountain. No change from Jul 29 to Aug 15. First color from Aug 15 to Aug 24. Approaching peak from Aug 24 to Sep 1. Peak from Sep 1 to Sep 9. Past peak from Sep 9 to Sep 19. Bare from Sep 19 to Oct 3.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Aug 15.
This season so far
First frost
Aug 3
37 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
36°F / 23°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Carne Mountain on September 5, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 5:54 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 79° | 6:26 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 41 min of low, warm light | 7:07 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:02 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 41 min before sunset | 6:55 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 281° | 7:37 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:08 PM |
Times in America/Los Angeles · day length 13h 11m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.