The onset of needed rain in Washington’s Cascades also brings gray skies and a monochromatic feel to our day. Last week, my family hiked to Easy Pass in the North Cascades, for a last look at the brilliance of fall colors, and for a dose of inspiration as we move into darker days ahead.

We heard the calls of American pika echoing across a talus strewn basin. We listened to the lonely caw of a high circling raven. We marveled at the explosion of color on mountain ash (Sorbus scopulina), Cascade blueberry and (Vaccinium deliciosum) over a carpet of still-green perennial wildflower leaves.

We’d selected this hike as we hoped to see the golden needles of subalpine larch (Larix lyallii), and this lone tree surrounded by talus rock made us smile.

At the pass, we layered up with all of the extra clothing in our packs, as we shared a picnic, marveled at peaks and savored solitude. As the season turns, we are given gifts by nature to help us each become more resilient to obstacles in our path.