Heather Maple Pass

Drove up the North Cascades Highway to see how far we could hike on the Heater-Maple Pass Loop Trail (7.2 miles with 2,000 ft of gain). We hiked up about 1,850 ft and 3.5 miles before turning around due to deep post holing and not wanting to go down the other side of the loop with only route finding skills (I think that is a steeper section and did not want to do it in heavier snow).
We did not encounter any snow or ice on the highway, but did find the parking area covered in snow and were greeted by this happy snowman.
The trail was 99.9% covered in snow. Fresh snow blanked the trail, on the lower sections it was clear where the trail was. Later on we were route finding. We took turn breaking trail with another couple who were out on the trail. We brought microspikes, but not use them as the fresh snow was not icy today.





This trail starts out going uphill in the forest. We encountered one downed tree that we had to climb over. About a mile up the trail, we crossed a talus field and had a nice view of some of the local peaks

We did not take the side trail to the shores of Lake Ann, but enjoyed the views once the trail broke out into the open,

There still a few signs of fall along the trail. On the first couple of miles it was easy to see a trough showing where the trail was under the snow.

After the first set of switchbacks above Lake Ann, the snow was deeper and we made tracks where there was only a faint trace of the trail under the snow

So many lovely views of Lake Ann and the surrounding peaks as the trail climbs.

When we reached Heather Pass, there were no signs of previous hikers crossing to the north. I hiked out a short ways, before seeing the views here were mostly obstructed by clouds and turned around.

I was post holing almost to my knees in the fresh snow.

Nice views back on the main trail.













We expected that most of the larch trees would have shed their needles in this recent storm,

so we were pleasantly surprised to find some of the larches holding on to their golden needles, laden in snow.

The clouds were continually moving around the peaks.

Wide angle view of the basin holding Lake Ann below

Icicles on the rocks

The trail winds around the sides of these steep mountains.

There were some large snow balls coming down this avalanche chute and across the trail. 

more icicles

Fabulous views of Lake Ann nestled between the mountains.

The snow was not enough to obscure where the trail was on this section, but once it turned back to the opposite direction we would need our route finding sills.

Great views continued

When we reached about 6,500 ft, the snow was getting deeper and deeper. We stopped here to take a break and enjoy a late lunch. Another hiker went a bit further and returned saying he was post holing above the knees and would soon be going through waist deep snow if he had continued upward.
We were happy with our hike and agreed to return the way we had hiked in.





Lots more photos of Lake Ann and the surrounding peaks as we enjoyed the views on our hike back down the trail.

Fabulous day, I'm getting ready to enjoy winter hikes.