Are you planning to hike up and see the Frosty Mountain larches?
The first crisp breeze of fall carries a promise: somewhere up high, the forest is turning gold. For hikers and photographers alike, there’s no sight more magical than the Frosty Mountain larches glowing under a morning frost, their needles shimmering like molten gold against the backdrop of the Cascades.
We had been hiking for a solid three hours before the golden trees started to sparkle on the horizon. Suddenly, the hours of vertical ascent, the sore legs, and heavy breathing all seemed worthwhile as the larches came into view.
“Do you see them?” she said, the excitement clear in her voice as it rose an octave. My hiking partner Erin was the first to spot the golden specks among the evergreen forest, and as soon as she did, I took off running up the trail… after all, we had waited a long time to see these phenomenal trees!
So if you’re like me and have been dreaming of seeing the Manning Park golden larches, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve put together a full guide on the gold standard of hikes, what to expect (the candid version), what to pack, and where to stay, as well as insider tips for your 2026 adventure.
What Are the Frosty Mountain Larches?
Did you know that the Frosty Mountain larches are one of BC’s best-kept Fall secrets? I actually didn’t know you could see larch trees in BC until a colleague told me, which is a bit embarrassing since I’ve lived in BC for 35+ years! With Frosty Mountain being in E.C. Manning Park, they are only a 3-hour drive from downtown Vancouver!
Frosty Mountain Larches
Larch trees are unique conifer trees that are deciduous and lose their soft needles each fall. Most evergreen coniferous trees keep their green foliage/needles year-round, but larch trees shed, transitioning from green to gold, in Mother Nature’s fall grand finale.
Larch trees live in subalpine environments, making places like E.C. Manning Provincial Park the perfect place to view them. In Alberta, the Canadian Rockies have some of the best larch trees in Canada.
Fun Fact: Larches take their time — a 6-foot tree could be 100 years old (proving good things really do come in small packages). It is reported that some of the Frosty Mountain larches are 2000+ years old!
Where is Frosty Mountain?
Frosty Mountain is located within E.C. Manning Provincial Park. Its trails wind through old-growth forests, alpine and subalpine meadows, offering panoramic views that keep you incentivized to keep climbing higher.
When to See the Frosty Mountain Larches
As predictable as Mother Nature can be, the timing of peak season to see the larches varies from one year to the next. With our West Coast climate, the larches in BC typically peak the first two weeks of October (compared to the Canadian Rockies, which peak towards the end of September).
The best hack to plan your trip is to download the All Trails app and look at reviews and photos from recent hikes. Manning Park Resort also does a great job of posting larch content regularly on its Instagram account. Another helpful resource I’ve tapped into is the Chilliwack Hiking Group on Facebook, where locals provide insight and recent trail status updates.
Frosty Mountain Weather
The weather at this elevation can vary dramatically. Morning temperatures are often crisp, hovering near freezing, while midday sun can warm the meadows pleasantly. Late-season hikers should be prepared for snow at higher elevations — which, while adding to the magic, also requires proper gear.
The Frosty Mountain Hike – Everything You Need To Know
Full Disclosure: The Frosty Mountain Trail is a challenging trail that is 22 km round trip and 1200 meters of elevation if you go right to the summit. You can just head up to the Larch Valley and not summit, but that is still a 19 km round-trip hike. I want to be transparent about this, as this is not a beginner hike or something you should undertake if you are not an experienced hiker.
Trail Overview:
- Distance: ~22 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,200 m
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Estimated Time: ~6–9 hours
Trail Breakdown:
1. Trailhead to Frosty Creek Camp (~6 km)
The first part of the trail is all about hard work and falling in love with switchbacks as you make your way up the mountainside. Whether you’re a trail runner or a slow climber like me, be sure to pause and take in the beautiful fall foliage that is brimming with colours of reds, yellows, and oranges on the trail.
About 1 hour in, you’ll be able to peek out over Lightning Lakes and look out on a 180-degree panoramic view. This is a great place to shuffle gear, grab a snack, and rehydrate.
Frosty Creek Camp: For some hikers, this is the destination for their trip as they plan to stay overnight at the campground. With tent pads and an outhouse, this is a great basecamp. Do not rely on a water source at camp, as there is a creek there, but it had run dry when we were there, so plan accordingly.
2. Frosty Creek to Larch Meadow (~3 km)
If you’re like us and you want to do the hike in one day, you’ll pass through the Frosty Creek Camp and keep heading up to Larch Meadow, which took us under an hour and was 3 km. It’s at this point where you could call me Goldilocks, as I was so excited about the pretty forest larches that started to peek out at the 18 km mark. A little sprinkle was enough to keep us moving and head all the way up to the Larch Meadow.
We had started our hike later in the day (11 am), so we had to be mindful of the time so that we could be back in the parking lot before sundown, so we opted not to summit Frosty Mountain. A lot of people did and said it was incredible, and it is definitely on our Fall 2026 adventure list!
Hanging out in Larch Meadow was the perfect way to soak in the hills of 24 karat gold. With my camera, I ran around, taking photos, posing with trees (all while staying on the trail) and looking out over the mountain range that was on beautiful display.
Photography Tip: While it’s tempting to look up and seek out pictures ahead of you, some of my favourite images were captured when I stopped and turned around and looked at the beautiful scenery behind me.
Hiking Tip: As you climb higher in the mountain, you may come across early-season snow, so it’s best to have micro spikes/crampons in case you need them.
3. Larch Meadow to Frosty Mountain Summit (~2 km)
To be transparent, we did not summit on this trip to Frosty Mountain, but we look forward to doing it in 2026 and being able to come back and update this article for you!
Most of the people that we met on the trail had summited that day and had nothing but glowing reviews about the experience. With it only being another 2 km from the larches, if you have time and physical capacity, it’s definitely something worth researching to see if you want to add it to your trip.
Hint: From other hikers, I’ve heard that the summit is not for those who are afraid of heights!
What to Pack for Frosty Mountain
Preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable hike. Knowing what to expect—and being ready for the unexpected—reduces risks like getting lost, running out of supplies, or facing sudden changes in conditions. With the right preparation, you can focus on the beauty of nature and the joy of the journey instead of worrying about what might go wrong. Here’s a recommended packing guide:
Clothing –
- Base Layer: moisture-wicking shirt and leggings.
- Mid-Layer: fleece or light insulated jacket and another pant layer (hiking pants).
- Outer Layer: waterproof, windproof shell.
- Additional: hat/toque, gloves, and extra socks for alpine conditions.
Footwear –
- Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support or trail hikers with a good grip.
- Micro spikes or traction devices (crampons) for late-season snow/frost. I have a basic pair that I keep in my backpack in case I need them, and a stronger pair for the winter season.
Essentials –
- Map / GPS app: The trail is well-signed/marked, but a map or GPS is recommended. I wouldn’t travel without navigation, as there is no cell phone service. I downloaded the All Trails map, used it on my phone, had a battery backup, and also a satellite emergency GPS unit (inReach) in case I needed it.
- 3L of water and high-energy snacks
- Headlamp (and extra batteries)
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Blanket
- Pocket Knife
- Whistle
- Lighter
- Battery Backup
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp/Light
Optional Gear –
- Trekking poles ease the climb both up and down (especially on steep alpine sections)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Thermos for summit coffee/tea/hot chocolate
Logistics — How To: Frosty Mountain Hike
Reaching the Manning Park golden larches hike requires a scenic drive and a little planning:
- Location: E.C. Manning Provincial Park, along Highway 3, BC.
- Drive Time: ~3 hours from Vancouver. The route passes through Hope and winds into the Cascade Mountains, offering plenty of photo-worthy stops.
- Parking: Lightning Lake Day Use Area. Arrive early — during peak larch season, spots fill quickly. We went on a weekday and were one of only 6 cars in the parking lot. I went back on Saturday and the parking was lined out the entrance to the parking lot!
- Connectivity: Cell service is non existant; offline maps or GPS are essential.
- Park Fees: Typically free for day use, but always check BC Parks for updates.
- Weather Considerations: Expect crisp mornings and potential snow at higher elevations. Prepare for sudden changes and pack layers. I had a thermal layer as well as a raincoat/windbreaker. I didn’t need the latter, but I was glad I had it.
- Emergency Info: Share your itinerary with someone, make sure they know when to expect you home, carry a whistle, and check BC Parks trail condition updates before heading out.
Where to Stay Near Frosty Mountain
When the going got tough on the trail, we kept saying, “The hot tub at the end of this hike is going to be amazing,” and it was the perfect motivation to keep us going on the trail. And I’ll be honest, it only took us about 10 minutes to transition from our grubby hiking clothes and into the shower before we were geared up in our bathing suits, ready to soak away the 19 km of hustle we had put our bodies through.
“I can’t imagine if we had to drive home tonight,” we said as we soaked in the luxury of the hot tubs (yes, plural) at Manning Park Resort.
So if you’re considering booking a stay after your hike up Frosty Mountain, I’m here to tell you it’s 100% worth it!
Manning Park Resort
Manning Park is a family-style resort that offers a variety of accommodations and amenities. From hotel rooms to cabins to premium new chalet cabin experiences, they have accommodations for every group size and need. We stayed in one of their premium cabins, allowing us to have lots of room for our friends (they sleep 11-12 people!), cook our own meals, and enjoy lounge space in the living and dining room. Plus, the resort is only a 4-minute drive from the Lightning Lakes day-use parking lot, so it’s a short commute to and from all the trails around Manning Park.
Book your stay at Manning Park Resort here!
Activities at Manning Park
For kids (and adults who can’t sit still), Manning Park Resort has a lot of fun things to do: a games room (complete with ping pong, a pool table, and arcade games), basketball, a swimming pool, 2 hot tubs, fire pits and more. In the winter, they have snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, and a Nordic Activity Center to set you up with everything you need.
Book early, as accommodations during peak larch season are in high demand. And after a long hike, a hot shower, a warm meal, and a hot tub soak, a cozy lodge stay can feel like a reward equal to the views.
Insider Tips for Your 2026 Visit
Also known as “Things we wish we knew before we went on this hike, and want to share with you, as we don’t want you to make the same mistakes.”
- THIS HIKE IS HARD! We worry about people seeing photos on Instagram and thinking that this is an easy hike. The meadow is relatively flat and showcases beautiful larches, but the trail to get up there is a SLOG. Be sure you know your capacity and outdoor education before you tackle this trail.
- Start Early: Sunrise provides both the best light, quieter trails, and no time management, making you feel rushed. Remember, sunset is earlier in the fall, so be aware of your timing around daylight hours.
- Dress in Layers: Temperatures can swing dramatically from base to summit, and also based on your hiking speed. We really enjoyed layering up when we reached Larch Valley so that we could wander around, not be cold and thus not feel rushed to get hustling back down the trail.
- Visit Mid-Week: Avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
- Combine Hikes: Explore nearby trails like Windy Joe or Three Brothers for extended adventures.
- Photography Tips: Capture larches during golden hour for maximum vibrancy.
- Leave No Trace: These subalpine ecosystems are fragile; respect the environment (pack out everything you packed in).
Other Things to Do in Manning Park
No matter what season you go, there’s a ton of things to do at Manning Park. Read our extensive guide that includes 17 things to do in Manning Park here.
Here are a few highlights:
- Lightning Lakes: A short drive from the resort, you can paddle, canoe, or hike around the edge of the lakes. During the winter, when the ice has frozen over, you can skate on the lake (get skates from the Nordic Centre) or enjoy a beautiful snowshoe around Lightning Lakes.
- Cascade Lookout: Having visited Manning Park several times, this trip was my first time visiting Cascade Lookout! A short 15-minute drive and you’re eye level with Frosty Mountain and get a beautiful look down over the Manning Park Resort.
- Cabin Fun: Don’t schedule activities into every minute of your trip. Be sure to leave time for cabin fun, like board games and random dance parties! Hint: Check out our moves here!
FAQs – Manning Park Larches Hike
When do the larches turn at Frosty Mountain?
Every year, it changes slightly, but they tend to peak around mid-October. Thanksgiving weekend is a very popular time for hiking (in other words, carpool and plan to be there early!).
Do I need a park pass or a reservation?
No, you do not (at the time of writing this), but it is a busy trail and it’s best to check with BC Parks before your departure to confirm.
Can beginners do this hike?
No, I definitely wouldn’t recommend this to beginner hikers for two reasons: You need stamina, physical, and mental strength for this challenging hike. Two: Beginner hikers don’t often have the technical gear that is required, which puts them at greater risk for injury.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Yes! Dogs are allowed, be sure to keep them on a leash (and always clean up after them).
What’s the weather like in September?
We had warm weather, and it was 18 degrees at sunny spots on the trail. We also had colder moments (under dense tree cover and in the open area of Larch Valley), hence why I keep articulating the importance of layers.
Conclusion: The Golden Reward
Call me Goldilocks, as I really did find the perfect forest at Frosty Mountain! The larches are the destination, but the fact that you have to earn your experience among them makes them elusive and special. Each needle-glow, crisp breeze, and panoramic vista reminds you why nature’s seasonal rhythms are worth the effort.
