Maple Pass Loop

This is one of the quintessential areas for anyone photographing the North Cascades. Meadows, wildflowers and mountains in perfect combination make an irresistible alpine scene. In the fall, the delicate needles on the larch trees turn from bright green to bright yellow then to a deep rich orange. Despite the crowds that show up on a sunny day to enjoy nature's spectacular show, this area is a photographer's dream. Maple Pass is accessed by a loop trail. The left fork of the loop begins by following the paved trail towards Rainy Lake for 0.5 mile then branches off to the right, heading steeply uphill. Views start before the trail leaves the trees and expand rapidly across the open meadows of the ridgecrest. Maple Pass is reached at 3.7 miles. The trail then descends a trampled ridge before heading down to Heather Pass, Lake Ann and, finally, back to the parking area at 7.2 miles. An unmarked trail at Heather Pass leads Lewis and Wind Lakes, located below Corteo and Black Peaks. Lake Ann is accessed by a signed trail, however, the view are much better from above.

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