A Smiley Face in the Forest?

Oregon’s “Smiley Face”

Imagine yourself on a crisp autumn afternoon, hiking up a trail in the North Cascades, and you realize something felt different. The air is tinged with the earthy scent of fallen needles, and suddenly you notice a golden glow enveloping the forest. Then you see them—the larch trees, their brilliant yellow needles contrasting against the dark evergreens, lighting up the mountainside like candles in the late afternoon sun. For a moment, it feels like stepping into a painting, as if the whole forest is celebrating the arrival of fall in a breathtaking display only nature could create.

Larch trees are special in ways that go beyond their beauty. Unlike typical evergreens, they shed their needles each year, transforming from lush green in the summer to a golden yellow in the fall before standing bare in the winter cold. This remarkable trait, combined with their role in creating unique autumn landscapes, has captured the attention of hikers, photographers, and nature lovers worldwide.

Let’s take a journey into the world of larch trees—what makes them unique, the incredible story of Oregon’s “larch tree smiley face,” and the best places to see these stunning trees in their golden autumnal glory.

What Makes Larch Trees Unique?

Deciduous Conifers: A Rare Characteristic

Photo by Joshua Woroniecki

Imagine walking through a dense forest of pine and fir trees, the deep green foliage almost blending with the shadows cast by towering trunks. Then, suddenly, you see them: larch trees, their needles a fiery shade of yellow, standing out like golden torches among the pines. It’s not what most people expect in a conifer forest, and for good reason. Larches (genus Larix) are part of an unusual group—deciduous conifers. Unlike evergreens, they shed their needles each year, going through a stunning color change in the fall.

As temperatures cool, larch needles turn a vibrant gold before they drop. In the spring, new green needles sprout, covering the trees in a fresh, lush green coat. This seasonal transformation, combined with their tall, slender trunks, gives larches a distinct and unforgettable appearance. It’s little wonder that, come autumn, they’re a focal point for nature photographers and leaf-peepers alike.

The Allure of Larch Trees: Natures Golden Giants

Each autumn, a larch forest becomes a realm of gold. On clear, sunny days, the golden needles reflect the sunlight, illuminating entire hillsides in shades of yellow and amber. This brilliant transformation is so mesmerizing that larch-dotted trails in regions like the North Cascades and the Canadian Rockies have become pilgrimage spots for fall hikers. Unlike the typical leafy show of autumn maples and oaks, the golden larches add a splash of warmth to landscapes often dominated by dark-green evergreens, making each view feel like a scene straight out of a painting.

The Smiling Forest: Oregon’s Larch Tree Smiley Face

On an unassuming stretch of Highway 18 in Polk County, Oregon, drivers in late October might spot an unexpected sight—a massive smiley face, created by larch trees, grinning out from a hillside. This planned forest pattern, known as the larch tree smiley face, is a unique example of forestry meeting artistry.

The Story Behind the Larch Smiley Face

More than 20 years ago, Hampton Lumber planted a blend of Douglas fir and larch trees in a specific arrangement designed to form a giant smiley face. Each fall, as the larch trees turn yellow against the dark green of the fir trees, a perfectly cheerful face appears, visible to drivers and even on satellite images. This quirky project wasn’t just a nod to the company’s love for the forest; it was a creative way to use nature’s seasonal beauty to bring joy to travelers and locals alike.

In addition to spreading smiles, the forest pattern serves as a reminder of the intentionality behind much of forestry. Choosing larch trees for this playful design was intentional; Douglas firs remain evergreen, while the larches’ golden hue makes the design visible each autumn. This “smiling forest” has captured the attention of locals and tourists alike, even becoming a social media sensation as visitors snap and share the unexpected autumn smile.

Best Places to Experience the Beauty of Larch Trees

If the idea of witnessing these golden conifers in person has captured your imagination, there are breathtaking locations worldwide to enjoy their annual display. These spots offer some of the most remarkable larch views, where the vibrant autumn colors contrast against majestic mountain landscapes and crisp blue skies.

1. North Cascades, Washington, USA

In the North Cascades, the arrival of fall brings visitors from all over to see the golden larches that light up the mountainsides. Trails such as Maple Pass Loop and Cutthroat Pass offer unforgettable views of larches glowing against the rugged alpine terrain. Standing beneath these towering golden trees, with views of lakes and peaks below, is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

2. Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Glacier National Park is another stunning spot to view larches, particularly Western larches, which turn golden in October. The Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail offer accessible hikes through mixed forests where you’ll see Western larches illuminating the landscape. Further up, the Highline Trail offers a more challenging trek and unparalleled views of golden larch trees scattered among the rugged cliffs of the park’s iconic mountain terrain.

3. Canadian Rockies, Alberta and British Columbia, Canada

Photo by Matei Andrei

Canada’s Rockies are famous for their golden larch displays, especially in the fall when subalpine larches turn the slopes of Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay National Parks into seas of amber and gold. The Larch Valley Trail in Banff National Park is among the most famous larch trails in North America, leading hikers up to panoramic views of the Ten Peaks, where golden larches are set against snow-capped mountains. Sunshine Meadows is another incredible spot for larch viewing, with a gentler hike that showcases vibrant trees and stunning lake views.

4. Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho, USA

The Sawtooth Mountains offer some of the most scenic autumn landscapes in the western United States, and they’re home to both alpine and Western larch species. Trails like Alpine Lake Trail and Iron Creek to Sawtooth Lake lead you through stunning larch stands that turn bright yellow in late September to early October. These trails provide a perfect balance of golden larch scenery and pristine mountain lakes, making them a haven for photographers and nature lovers alike.

5. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

The Okanagan Valley is a lesser-known destination for larch viewing but offers spectacular autumn scenery as well. The region’s subalpine larches turn color in early October, providing a quieter experience compared to the busier larch destinations in the Rockies. Trails around Cathedral Provincial Park and Apex Mountain are great options for seeing larches without the crowds, with expansive views of the valley’s peaks and golden forests below.

6. Eastern Sierra Nevada, California, USA

While not as common in California as in the Pacific Northwest, the Eastern Sierra Nevada is home to stands of larch trees that turn a beautiful shade of gold in autumn. Trails like Convict Lake and Rock Creek Canyon offer golden larches nestled among rugged granite landscapes and alpine lakes. The contrast of bright yellow needles against the high desert terrain is a rare and beautiful sight, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

If you are traveling outside of North America, here are some recommendations…

1. Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites in northern Italy are home to European larches, which transform into a sea of yellow-orange each autumn. The Seceda Ridgeline and Tre Cime di Lavaredo are two of the best spots to view these trees against the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Dolomites. Here, larch trees add a warm, autumnal charm to the stunning scenery, creating a place that feels almost otherworldly.

2. Hokkaido, Japan

In Japan, the island of Hokkaido offers one of the most beautiful autumn landscapes, thanks to its native larches and other deciduous trees. In Daisetsuzan National Park, visitors can hike among golden larches while soaking in natural hot springs, a favorite fall activity. The Japanese larches add a unique golden touch to this eastern autumn paradise.

3. Tyrol, Austria

In Austria, the Zillertal Alps in the Tyrol region transform into a tapestry of gold and green each fall as the European larches turn color. Hiking trails in this area wind through dense forests and open meadows, offering views of valleys dotted with golden larches against snow-capped peaks.

Exploring the Practical Beauty of Larch Wood

Aside from their seasonal beauty, larches have practical applications that make them popular in forestry and woodworking. The wood from larch trees is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to water, making it an excellent choice for outdoor projects.

Advantages of Larch Wood

Larch wood’s high resin content gives it natural water-resistant properties, making it perfect for siding, decking, and outdoor furniture. The warmth of its color and unique grain pattern make it appealing for interior projects as well, especially for anyone looking to bring a natural, rustic aesthetic to their home. Additionally, larch wood is sustainable, as it grows in regions where forestry practices are often focused on conservation and regrowth.

Challenges in Working with Larch

However, larch wood can be dense and tough to work with, posing challenges for beginner woodworkers. It requires high-quality tools for shaping and finishing, and its resin content can sometimes lead to buildup on blades. But for those who value durability and natural beauty, larch wood offers a lasting investment in outdoor or rustic interior projects.

Why Larch Trees Deserve Our Appreciation

The larch tree, with its autumnal transformation, resilience, and ecological significance, stands out in the natural world. In the fall, larch trees create a radiant display, contrasting beautifully with evergreen forests and adding a golden glow to landscapes. Their unique charm, showcased in places like the North Cascades or in whimsical ways like Oregon’s larch smiley face, makes them a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Beyond their beauty, larches contribute to their ecosystems by enriching the soil, creating habitats for wildlife, and adding seasonal diversity to otherwise evergreen landscapes. Larch trees are a reminder of nature’s unexpected brilliance, offering beauty that evolves with the seasons and resilience that withstands even the harshest winters.

Next time autumn arrives, consider making a journey to witness the larches in their golden glory—an experience that feels both fleeting and timeless, much like the seasons themselves.

Sources:

https://www.mountbakerexperience.com/stories/a-guide-to-fall-larches,1024

Photo by Matei Andrei: https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-forest-around-lake-in-autumn-26888183/

Photo by Joshua Woroniecki: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-walking-on-path-3225479/