Maple Pass and Heather Pass Loop in North Cascades National Park, WA

Hike Maple Pass and Heather Pass Loop North Cascades National Park, WA

Class 1 6.6 miles 2200 gain 2-4 hrs Loop Sep 26, 2015
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Maple Pass and Heather Pass Loop GPX Track

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The Maple Pass and Heather Pass Loop was my first hike in the Cascades, and the colorful larches and ground flora had me dumbfounded. A few of the photos might seem repetitious, but I couldn't help myself – this was among the most gorgeous days of hiking I've ever had to date. Though there were lots of people, I kind of didn't mind the crowds. The loop I took ascended above Rainy Lake as it headed to Maple Pass, then continued along the ridge heading north to Heather Pass, before descending back to the trailhead. The hike is well-signed and makes for a great easier outing.

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Ann Lake. The hike goes to that lower ridge above Ann Lake.
Ann Lake. The hike goes to that lower ridge above Ann Lake.
Close-up of Rainy Lake from above
Close-up of Rainy Lake from above
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Larches!
Larches!
Maple Pass Loop Trail in fall
Maple Pass Loop Trail in fall
Autumn colors overlooking the Cascades
Autumn colors overlooking the Cascades
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It started to get too foggy to see, so I stopped taking pictures about halfway down the northern section of the loop.
It started to get too foggy to see, so I stopped taking pictures about halfway down the northern section of the loop.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!