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.

Heather - Maple Pass Loop Fall Hike

We drove up to the east side of Hwy 20 to do the Heather - Maple Pass Loop Hike, this lies just outside the boundary of North Cascades National Park. Two mountain passes, 3 beautiful lakes, gorgeous views that go on forever, fabulous fall colors and a few ripe huckleberries!

We did the main loop with side trails to Lewis Lake and Rainy Lake. Our hike was about 8 miles with 2,000+ ft of elevation gain.  

 We choose to hike the loop counter clockwise. The trail starts in the woods and begins a gentle ascent.












Soon the trail enters the open, we saw the peaks to the east and lots of fall color.

We crossed an avalanche chute and saw a marmot resting in the sun. There were also pikas scurrying across the field.

 The trail continues to climb up a cirque towards Heather Pass. (This loop hike follows the cirque.)

Nestled in this cirque is Ann Lake (to the west), to the far left is Maple Pass:

On the rocky ledges across Ann Lake, we could see alpine larches, some turning golden.

This is a great hike to take your time and enjoy the views.

View of Ann Lake from further up the trail looking south.

 More fall color, as the switchbacks climb toward Heather Pass.

 We took the side trail over Heather Pass, there were some ripe huckleberries among the red leaves.

We hiked out about 1/4 mile towards Lewis Lake and found a spot to take a snack break and enjoy the views!  View to the north from Heather Pass:

 Lewis Lake is to the left, nested near the tree line.

Used a zoom lens to see the waterfall coming down from the outlet off of Lewis Lake.

We returned to the main loop trail, soon we came to an overlook where we could see down to where we hiked on the north side of Heather Pass.  Golden Horn in the distance across from Hwy 20.

Panorama to the north from this spot on the trail. 

 The trail continued around to the south side of the cirque, beautiful panoramic view looking east across Ann Lake.

 This trail continues to climb up to a ridge line with fabulous views. Panorama to the north:

 Panorama to the south (Maple Pass to the far left, Corteo Mountain and Black Peak to the right:

 In the far distance, to the southwest, we could see Glacier Peak and other snow capped mountains.

 After soaking in the views, we continued up the trail to Maple Pass (up on the far left)

Panoramic views from Maple Pass :

 We went up towards a rocky ridge line above the pass to enjoy our lunch and the views .

Panoramic view from my lunch spot:

 We all agree, this is a fabulous hike!

Panoramic view looking east and the trail down from Maple Pass.

 Lots of fall color on the hillside, coming down from Maple Pass.













Soon the trail came to an overlook towards the north, Ann Lake below.

 Heading east on the trail.

 Further along on the trail, we go views that included Rainy Lake down below.

 As we continued down the trail on switchbacks we had another look at Ann Lake to the west. We also had great views of the trail on the other side. It was fun to see where we had been today.

 Lots more fall color.


















After descending from Maple Pass, we took the side trail to Rainy Lake.

Looking across Rainy Lake.  I was hoping to see Maple Pass, but it is to the right behind the trees.

Waterfall on the far side of Rainy Lake.

Some of the plants we saw along the trail today: